Qwest selects new COO
Teresa Taylor, who has worked in various posts at the firm, replaces Tom Richards, who resigned.
By Andy Vuong
Denver Post
Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Qwest announced Monday that Teresa Taylor has been selected to replace Tom Richards as chief operating officer.

Richards, who held the position since July 2008, resigned from the Denver-based company last week and will join CDW Corp. as president and COO Sept. 21.  Illinois-based CDW is a privately held firm that sells computers, printers and other technology products and services. It has $8.1 billion in annual revenue.

Taylor, 45, has served as executive vice president of Qwest's business markets group since August 2008.  Before that, she held various executive positions, including chief administrative officer.  Taylor worked for U S West from 1988 until June 2000 when the phone company merged with Qwest.

"Teresa is well-equipped to step into the COO position and allow us to continue our intense focus on the daily operations of the company and our goal of perfecting the customer experience," Qwest chief executive Ed Mueller said.

Christopher Ancell, 47, previously vice president of sales for the business markets group, was promoted to Taylor's old position.

Andy Vuong: 303-954-1209 or avuong@denverpost.com