Who runs AT&T?

Posted on: 13 Aug 2024
Who runs AT&T?

Among the top telecommunication firms providing mobile phones, TVs, and internet services in the United States of America and many other nations is AT&T. Who, however, runs this telecom behemoth?

The Chief Executive Officer

For most of the company's activities and ambitions, the CEO manages and represents AT&T Internet and is also the final decision-maker. John Stankey is the AT&T Chief Executive Officer right now as of 2023. Having first served as AT&T's President and Chief Operating Officer in 2019, he started his post in 2020.

Under Stankey, AT&T has underlined the expansion of fiber internet and 5G networks; the corporation wants to expand these networks to meet the increasing US data consumption. It has also doubled down on the spread of HBO Max streaming to challenge the other companies in the industry like Netflix and Disney+.

The Board of Directors

The AT&T Board of Directors shapes the company's operational structure even though the CEO of AT&T is in charge of daily administration of its activities.

At now, AT&T has 13 accomplished individuals with backgrounds in policymaking, financial management, and CEO leadership on its Board. Several noteworthy members are:

  • Sam Di Piazza, Jr. – Retired Global CEO of PricewaterhouseCoopers
  • Scott Ford – Chief Executive Officer of Westrock Group
  • Matt Rose – Ex-BNSF Railway CEO
  • CEO of Oil States International Former CEO

It also affects the CEO's hiring, executive salary determination, identification of corporate hazards, and approval of the financial accounts. The Board arranges many committees to handle certain responsibilities, such as handling the audit, CEO compensation, or corporate governance guidelines.

Top Leadership Team

Assisting John Stankey, the CEO of AT&T, is a highly qualified executive management team. Key members directing major divisions include.

  • Lori Lee – AT&T Latin America Division Executive Director
  • Jeff McElfresh – AT&T Communications CEO
  • Jason Kilar – Chief Executive Officer, Warner Bros. Discovery
  • David Christopher – President, AT&T Mobility & Entertainment

This leadership team oversees AT&T’s core offerings and businesses, including wireless, fiber broadband, pay-TV, media/entertainment, networks, and more. They are also responsible for managing specific large-scale opportunities such as the deployment of 5G in the USA by AT&T and the integration of WarnerMedia with Discovery.

Key Shareholders

Like any other publicly traded corporation, AT&T has a sizable number of owners owning a part of the business. Among the largest owners are some of these.

  • The Vanguard Group – More than $610 billion or 6.1% of the world’s shares
  • BlackRock Fund Advisors – More than 5%.
  • State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. – More than 4%.
  • Newport Trust Co., Ltd. – More than 3%

These are major investors, but none of them is a controlling shareholder; however, they have a vote for Board nominees and other shareholder decisions. It enables them to seek good returns in the form of dividends and increases in the price of the shares from the management teams they invest their capital in AT&T.

Driving Innovation & Growth

Lastly, there is the motivation coming from almost 200,000 people working in AT&T all around the world who aim to unite people with information and fun. The firm spends more than $20 billion every year to fund its networks and innovation hubs for efficient and guaranteed 5G connectivity as well as services such as cloud, IoT, and streaming services.

Having technologically complex and capital-intensive operations, AT&T needs experienced telecom leaders to address the competitive and constantly evolving environment. As the company under the management of Chairman and CEO John Stankey, AT&T remains committed and active in achieving industry leadership in future innovations.

Upgrade to faster, more reliable AT&T Fiber Internet today! Call us at +1 844-905-5002 and get connected with speeds that keep you ahead.


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