Randall L. Stephenson (born April 22, 1960) is one of the most successful figures in the global telecommunications industry and a prominent American business executive. One of his most notable achievements is becoming the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AT&T Inc., a role he assumed in early 2007 and held for more than a decade.
Stephenson earned his bachelor’s degree from Central State University of Oklahoma and went on to obtain a master’s degree in accounting from the same institution. His career began in 1982, when he joined the information technology organization of Southwestern Bell Telephone, based in Oklahoma.
Throughout the late 1980s and into the 1990s, Stephenson steadily advanced within the company. He held various leadership roles in finance, including an international assignment in Mexico City, which contributed to his global business perspective and operational acumen.
In 2001, Stephenson was named Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of SBC Communications (formerly Southwestern Bell). During his tenure, he played a crucial role in strengthening the company’s financial position, successfully reducing net debt by $30 billion in just four years. This achievement elevated his profile within the organization and the industry at large.
Following this success, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) of SBC. His leadership in both finance and operations earned him recognition at the national level, and he was appointed by President George W. Bush to the National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee, where he contributed to the formulation of telecom policy related to national security.
Under Stephenson’s leadership, AT&T transformed into a global telecommunications and media giant, executing major acquisitions and expanding into new areas such as broadband, digital entertainment, and wireless technologies. His strategic vision and financial discipline positioned AT&T as a key player in the rapidly evolving digital economy.