Lumen Hires Microsoft, Oracle Veteran as New CEO

Lumen Technologies has a new CEO whose decisions will trickle down to the company’s partner community.

Lumen’s Jeff Storey

It’s Kate Johnson, who will take over for Jeff Storey at the business communications giant on or around Nov. 7. Storey is announcing his retirement after 40 years in telecommunication and technology. He will stay on board through the end of the year to “ensure a smooth transition,” the company said.

Johnson most recently led Microsoft U.S., the software giant’s largest business. In four years in that role, she doubled enterprise revenue.

Johnson’s career also includes leadership positions at Oracle and General Electric.

Lumen’s Kate Johnson

Johnson’s Future

“I am proud to take on the CEO role and eager to advance the strategy Jeff and the team have created,” said Johnson. “Lumen has made significant progress strengthening its balance sheet, expanding its fiber footprint and enhancing its portfolio of digital capabilities. I’m looking forward to leading this great company through its next chapter and helping customers leverage the Lumen platform to power amazing digital world experiences.”

“I am confident that the organization has the strategy in place to deliver on its priority of achieving profitable revenue growth. I am very excited to welcome Kate to Lumen,” said Storey. ” … her experience, leadership and enthusiasm are exactly what we need as we drive the company forward.”

Johnson’s title is president and CEO. She also will serve on the company’s board of directors.

“Kate’s appointment and the strategic transition announced today are the culmination of a succession plan that Jeff and the board have been engaged in for the past several years,” said T. Michael Glenn, chairman of Lumen’s board of directors. “We are confident she is the right leader to take the reins at this important moment in Lumen’s history. Kate is an inspiring and motivational leader who is known for identifying and creating growth. She is the ideal CEO for Lumen.”