TDS Names Ken Dixon President and CEO of TDS Telecom; Jim Butman Retires after 40 Years of Service

Rhea-AI Summary

TDS (NYSE: TDS) has appointed Ken Dixon as the new President and CEO of TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom), effective June 9, 2025. Dixon succeeds Jim Butman, who is retiring after 40 years of service, including 7 years as TDS Telecom's leader. Dixon brings 33 years of telecommunications experience, primarily from Verizon Communications where he served as President of Consumer Markets, overseeing a $13 billion consumer business. Most recently, he was CEO of Tillman FiberCo. Under Butman's leadership, TDS Telecom achieved significant milestones, including surpassing $1 billion in revenues and 500,000 broadband subscribers. Dixon's appointment aligns with TDS Telecom's transformation strategy, particularly in fiber broadband expansion and rural connectivity.

Positive

• Ken Dixon brings extensive telecommunications experience with 33 years in the industry, including leadership of Verizon's $13 billion consumer business
• Dixon's expertise in fiber network transformation and broadband infrastructure aligns with TDS Telecom's strategic growth plans
• Under outgoing CEO Jim Butman, the company achieved over $1 billion in revenues and 500,000 broadband subscribers

Negative

• Leadership transition period could potentially cause temporary operational disruption
• Significant executive change during company transformation period carries execution risks

Insights

Telecommunications Industry Analyst

Leadership transition at TDS Telecom brings strategic fiber expertise as the company continues its network transformation.

This executive transition at TDS Telecom represents a significant strategic pivot toward accelerating the company's fiber deployment initiatives. Ken Dixon's appointment is particularly notable given his extensive background at Verizon where he led the $13 billion consumer business and executed fiber network transformation strategies - directly applicable experience to TDS Telecom's current priorities.

Dixon's most recent role as CEO of Tillman FiberCo further strengthens his credentials in fiber infrastructure development, suggesting TDS is doubling down on its fiber expansion strategy that began under outgoing CEO Jim Butman. Under Butman's leadership, TDS Telecom achieved two critical milestones: surpassing $1 billion in revenue and reaching 500,000 broadband subscribers.

The timing of this transition aligns with industry-wide fiber deployment acceleration, as telecommunications providers race to expand high-speed internet access, particularly in underserved rural markets. Dixon's stated focus on "bridging the country's digital divide" signals continued emphasis on rural broadband expansion, likely leveraging federal infrastructure funding opportunities.

This leadership change comes as TDS Telecom continues what the company describes as a "transformation" - language that typically indicates significant operational and strategic shifts beyond normal business evolution. Dixon's fiber expertise will be crucial as TDS navigates increasing competition from both traditional telecom providers and new market entrants in the broadband space.

CHICAGO, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (NYSE: TDS) announced today that Ken Dixon will be appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom), a wholly owned subsidiary of TDS, effective June 9. Dixon succeeds Jim Butman who will retire and step down on July 1 after more than 40 years of service to TDS, including the last 7 years as the leader of TDS Telecom. Dixon will also serve on the TDS Board of Directors.

Dixon brings 33 years of telecommunications experience to TDS Telecom, spending most of his career in positions with increasing responsibility at Verizon Communications, Inc. Dixon's final position at Verizon was as President of Consumer Markets, where he oversaw its $13 billion consumer business and executed its fiber network transformation strategy. More recently, Dixon was CEO of Tillman FiberCo, LLC, a company that designs, builds and owns fiber optic broadband infrastructure.

"After a thorough search, we found the right leader to succeed Jim Butman at TDS Telecom," said TDS President and CEO Walter Carlson. "TDS Telecom is undergoing a transformation; Ken's deep knowledge and experience in sales, marketing, operations, and delighting customers, together with his background in fiber broadband expansion, position him to lead our strategic growth plans."

"I am honored to lead TDS Telecom and work with its talented team," said Dixon. "I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the company's mission of creating a better world, which includes helping to bridge the country's digital divide by bringing fiber technology to the hardest to reach rural areas."

"I would like to thank Jim for his four decades of service to TDS," said Carlson. "Thanks to Jim's strong leadership, TDS Telecom embarked on its long-term fiber strategy, and in the process, surpassed $1 billion in revenues and 500,000 broadband subscribers."

Dixon holds a Bachelor of Science from Syracuse University and served on the Dean's Advisory Board of Syracuse University College of Arts and Sciences.

About TDS
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) provides wireless, broadband, video and voice to approximately 5.5 million connections nationwide through its businesses, UScellular and TDS Telecom. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Chicago, TDS employed approximately 7,800 associates as of March 31, 2025.

Visit investors.tdsinc.com for comprehensive financial information, including earnings releases, quarterly and annual filings, shareholder information and more.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tds-names-ken-dixon-president-and-ceo-of-tds-telecom-jim-butman-retires-after-40-years-of-service-302472540.html

SOURCE Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

FAQ

Who is the new CEO of TDS Telecom and when does he start?

Ken Dixon will become President and CEO of TDS Telecom effective June 9, 2025, succeeding Jim Butman.

What is Ken Dixon's previous experience in telecommunications?

Dixon has 33 years of telecommunications experience, primarily at Verizon Communications where he was President of Consumer Markets overseeing a $13 billion consumer business, and most recently served as CEO of Tillman FiberCo.

Why is Jim Butman leaving TDS Telecom?

Jim Butman is retiring after more than 40 years of service to TDS, including the last 7 years as the leader of TDS Telecom.

What were the major achievements under Jim Butman's leadership at TDS?

Under Butman's leadership, TDS Telecom surpassed $1 billion in revenues and reached over 500,000 broadband subscribers, while also implementing a long-term fiber strategy.

What are Ken Dixon's plans for TDS Telecom?

Dixon plans to focus on the company's transformation, particularly in fiber broadband expansion and helping bridge the digital divide by bringing fiber technology to rural areas.