David A. Wittwer served as the CEO of Telephone and Data Systems (TDS) from January 1, 2007, until his retirement on December 29, 2017. Before his role as CEO, he was the Executive Vice President and COO of TDS Telecom,...
David A. Wittwer served as the CEO of Telephone and Data Systems (TDS) from January 1, 2007, until his retirement on December 29, 2017. Before his role as CEO, he was the Executive Vice President and COO of TDS Telecom, which gave him deep insight into the company's operations. Wittwer has a solid background in the telecommunications industry, having led TDS through various market challenges. His leadership was measured by strong performance metrics, with company targets often exceeded during his tenure. In 2016, his total compensation reached about $1.27 million, with his bonus reflecting 117.1% of his target, a strong indicator of his effectiveness as a leader. Interestingly, all his stock options expired at retirement, emphasizing TDS’s incentive structure focusing on performance. Beyond the numbers, Wittwer is noted for his methodical approach to management, which aligns closely with the performance goals of the organization, connecting employee welfare directly with corporate success. He also has a history of stability in leadership, having been with the company since 2005, which contributed to TDS's consistent market presence during his career.