Major Executive Search announces the successful completion of an assignment recruiting Austin Summerford to UScellular as Vice President of Business Development and Partnerships.  UScellular (NYSE: USM), headquartered in Chicago, IL, is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States.
Summerford will join the UScellular Leadership Team and is responsible for the evaluation of new lines of business, new markets, large investments, strategic partnerships and mergers and acquisitions. His work also includes maximizing the company’s tower and intercarrier portfolios and overseeing enterprise risk management.
Summerford comes to UScellular after spending more than 18 years at AT&T, where he most recently served as vice president of corporate strategy and was responsible for the company’s long-term planning and strategic initiatives across multiple business units. He also has extensive experience in corporate development and mergers and acquisitions, with previous roles at AT&T including managing director of corporate development and assistant vice president of infrastructure program management.
“As we look for new and innovative ways to drive customer and revenue growth, Austin’s telecommunications background and strong leadership in corporate development make him a perfect fit for this newly-created role here at UScellular,” said Laurent C. Therivel, president and CEO of UScellular. “I look forward to working closely with him and our entire leadership team to ensure we achieve our long-term goals and continue providing an unmatched wireless experience for our customers.”
Summerford earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va., and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Austin.
Patty Meagher Clare conducted the assignment along with founder and CEO, Sue Major and Managing Director, John Rivoir for Major Executive Search.
About UScellular
UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier is building a stronger network with the latest 5G technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations; visit www.uscellular.com.
About Major Executive Search
Major Executive Search is a retained executive search firm specializing in the placement of senior level telecommunications, media and technology executives.  The firm’s strategy is founded on identifying and recruiting world-class talent while providing superior customer service, and uses a proprietary search process that yields extraordinary results.  For more information, please visit: www.majorexecutivesearch.com.