Thomas E. Richards
Executive Vice President,
Business Markets Group

Tom Richards joined Qwest in 2005 and oversees the sales, marketing and delivery of voice and data communications services to Qwest’s business and government customers. In this capacity, Mr. Richards manages more than 3,000 regional and national sales and customer service representatives who interact daily with Qwest customers.

Mr. Richards has more than 30 years of telecom experience. Before joining Qwest, Mr. Richards was president, CEO and chairman of Clear Communications, an international supplier of optical and digital network management software. Prior to his position at Clear Communications, Mr. Richards was the executive vice president of the communications and information products sector for Ameritech. In this capacity he was responsible for business units, including network services, cellular, security monitoring, cable television, Internet and yellow pages advertising.

Mr. Richards received a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science degree in management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

He has been active in numerous industry and nonprofit organizations, including serving as a director for the National Alliance of Business, Tele Danmark (TDK), Pennsylvania Economy League, Pennsylvania Southwest Economic Development Association, Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce and Boy Scouts of America (Pittsburgh Council). Mr. Richards and his wife, Mary Beth, have two adult children.