US Cellular Selects Fast Food Marketing Exec As CEO

US Cellular USM (NYSE), the wireless voice and data service provider, announced the selection of Mary Dillon to be the firm’s new president and CEO. Ms. Dillon will succeed John Rooney who announced his planned retirement back in February. Ms. Dillon has been the EVP and Global Chief Marketing Officer of McDonalds since 2005. Her selection appears to be a terrific choice for CEO. She brings to the table the type of executive needed to help US Cellular compete in its market. She has both marketing and operational expertise. Ms. Dillon will take over the reigns of the firm on June 1. She faces real challenges to the company’s business but she has the skills to help the firm meet those challenges.

Rooney’s announcement back in February that he would be retiring raised concerns for the company. He had been instrumental in building the firm from a small company that collected roaming fees as its key source of revenue into a powerful regional carrier.

Keep a close eye on the transition and the business moves Dillon makes after she takes over the company.