Windstream CEO Jeff Gardner Resigns; Tony Thomas Named Successor

(RTTNews) - Windstream Holdings, Inc. (WIN) said Thursay that it has appointed Tony Thomas as president and chief executive officer and a director, effective immediately.

Thomas succeeds Jeff Gardner, the company's current president and CEO, who has resigned. Gardner will stay on as senior adviser to the CEO and as a member of the Board of Directors through February 1, 2015, to ensure an orderly transition.

Thomas, 43, has served as president of real estate investment trust operations at Windstream since October 2014. He served as Windstream's chief financial officer from August 2009 through September 2014.

Tony Thomas said, "It has been a privilege to work with Jeff Gardner throughout my career. I also remain intently focused on executing the REIT spinoff, which will enable Windstream to accelerate network investments, provide enhanced services to customers and maximize shareholder value."

Windstream Director Francis Frantz will lead the process to select a new president and CEO of the REIT. As previously announced, Frantz will serve as chairman of the REIT's Board. He will leave the Windstream Board upon close of the deal, which is anticipated to occur in the first half of 2015.