Lumen Appoints Jim Fowler as Chief Technology & Product Officer

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 5, 2025--

Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN ) today announced that Jim Fowler has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Technology & Product Officer, effective Jan. 5, 2026. Fowler will succeed Dave Ward, who is departing to assume the role of President and Chief Architect at Salesforce, the world’s #1 AI CRM. Ward will remain with Lumen through Jan. 23, 2026, to support a smooth transition.

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Fowler will report to Lumen CEO Kate Johnson and will be responsible for Lumen’s global technology and product strategy, including the continued evolution of the company’s network, digital platforms, and product portfolio.

“Dave’s visionary leadership has laid a foundation that will influence Lumen’s trajectory for years ahead, and we thank him for his service,” said Kate Johnson, CEO of Lumen. “Invention is where value is born. Execution is where value is realized. Jim is uniquely suited to lead our technology and product teams as we unlock the value of Dave’s contributions, solidifying our transformation progress and returning Lumen to revenue growth.”

Fowler has served on Lumen’s Board of Directors since 2023, helping shape the company’s transformation strategy and technology roadmap. Fowler has stepped down from Lumen’s Board, effective immediately, in connection with his appointment. He joins Lumen from Nationwide Insurance, where he serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, responsible for the modernization of core technology capabilities, driving digital transformation of business operations, and scaling intelligent automation across the enterprise. Prior to Nationwide, Fowler spent nearly two decades at General Electric in a series of senior technology leadership roles, including Global Chief Information Officer, where he led GE’s internal digital transformation strategy and operations. Fowler began his career at AT&T in 1993 and worked at Accenture before joining General Electric.

“Lumen has a unique opportunity to strengthen its position as the trusted network for AI,” said Fowler. “I’ve seen firsthand as a board member and a customer the work this team has done to design a next-generation roadmap for the network and products. I’m excited to roll up my sleeves, partner with our engineers and product managers to ensure continued innovation and execute Lumen’s roadmap with urgency for our customers and shareholders.”

The company does not expect this leadership transition to change its previously communicated technology roadmap or strategic growth priorities which will be presented at its Investor Day event in New York on Feb. 25, 2026.

About Lumen Technologies

Lumen is unleashing the world's digital potential. We ignite business growth by connecting people, data, and applications – quickly, securely, and effortlessly. As the trusted network for AI, Lumen uses the scale of our network to help companies realize AI's full potential. From metro connectivity to long-haul data transport to our edge cloud, security, managed service, and digital platform capabilities, we meet our customers’ needs today and as they build for tomorrow.

For news and insights visit news.lumen.com, LinkedIn: /lumentechnologies, X: lumentechco, Facebook: /lumentechnologies, Instagram: @lumentechnologies and YouTube: /lumentechnologies. Lumen and Lumen Technologies are registered trademarks of Lumen Technologies LLC in the United States. Lumen Technologies LLC is a wholly-owned affiliate of Lumen Technologies, Inc.

Forward Looking Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including statements regarding management’s expectations with respect to our business, senior leadership team, strategy and operations as well as statements identified by words such as “estimates,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “intends,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are not promises nor guarantees of future results, are based on our current expectations only and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as updated in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated by us in these statements due to several factors, including those referenced in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Jim Fowler, who will assume the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Technology & Product Officer at Lumen Technologies, effective Jan. 5, 2026. Source: Lumen Technologies

NEW YORK (AP) — Target CEO Michael Fiddelke is reshuffling his leadership team and making other changes shortly after stepping into the top job at the retailer that has struggled operationally.

Rick Gomez, the 23-year Target veteran who oversees the chain's vast inventory of merchandise, will leave the company. And Jill Sando, the chief merchandising officer overseeing a handful of categories like apparel and home and who has been with the company since 1997, will retire.

Lisa Roath, who oversaw food, essentials and cosmetics, will take Fiddelke's previous job as chief operating officer, the company said Tuesday. Cara Sylvester, who had been chief guest experience officer, will become the company's chief merchandising officer.

The changes will allow Target to move with greater speed, Fiddelke said.

“It’s the start of a new chapter for Target, and we’re moving quickly to take action against our priorities that will drive growth within our business,” Fiddelke said in a release.

Gomez and Sando will remain with the company for a short time to help with the transition, but the changes become effective Sunday.

Also on Tuesday, the company reiterated its profit guidance. It is also increasing investment in store staffing at stores while eliminating about 500 jobs at distribution centers and regional offices, according to a memo sent to employees that Target shared with The Associated Press.

It is the first substantial change under Fiddelke, a 20-year company veteran who took over for Brian Cornell this month. The company's decision to choose an insider surprised many industry analysts who believe the company needs new ideas as it tries to revive sales.

Target has struggled to find its footing as many Americans have cut back on spending. Customers have also complained of disheveled stores that are missing the budget-priced niche that long ago earned the retailer the nickname “Tarzhay.”

The company has also been buffeted by consumer boycotts and backlash after it scaled back its corporate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

It has also faced protests for what some critics see as an insufficient response to President Donald Trump's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics in Minneapolis, its hometown, where two U.S. citizens where fatally shot last month by federal agents.

Target has not commented publicly after federal agents detaining two of its employees this month — although Fiddelke sent a video message to the company’s 400,000 workers calling recent violence “incredibly painful."

Fiddelke was one of 60 CEOs of Minnesota-based companies who signed an open letter in January calling for state, local and federal officials to find a solution after the fatal shootings.

FILE - The Target logo displayed on a sign outside a store, Nov. 18, 2025, in Salem, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)