Level 3's Storey returns to CEO post following short medical leave

Level 3 Communications CEO Jeff Storey is back on the job after a medical leave to recover from surgery related to a heart condition.

Storey has returned to work, resuming all of his duties and responsibilities, said Level 3 in a statement.

Sunit Patel, Level 3's chief financial officer, had served as interim CEO while Storey was on leave.

"I'm pleased to be back," said Storey. "I'd like to thank Sunit for his leadership in my absence and for moving us forward on our strategy."

In February, Storey had an operation to address "a recently diagnosed heart condition" and had been expected to make a full recovery.

Following five years serving as Level 3's chief operations officer, Storey became Level 3's CEO in April 2013 after James Crowe announced his retirement.

Since taking the reins of Level 3, Storey drove the company to its first-ever annual profit in 2014 while lowering its debt load.

What Storey will be known for is the company's purchase of tw telecom in 2014, a deal which not only enhanced Level 3's metro fiber reach and business customer base, but also accelerated its migration to SDN.

For more:
- see the release
- WSJ has this article

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