James Barr III is the former President and CEO of TDS Telecommunications Corporation, a part of Telephone and Data Systems (TDS). He served in this role from 1990 until his retirement in 2007. Born in 1962, he has extensive experience...

James Barr III is the former President and CEO of TDS Telecommunications Corporation, a part of Telephone and Data Systems (TDS). He served in this role from 1990 until his retirement in 2007. Born in 1962, he has extensive experience in the telecommunications field. Barr's leadership style had a direct impact on the growth and direction of TDS during his tenure. Under his guidance, TDS focused on strategic management and performance metrics that emphasized both corporate objectives and individual contributions. After stepping down, Barr continued to hold influence by serving as a consultant to TDS until 2009. His compensation package was quite notable, peaking in 2006, where his total compensation reached approximately $3.3 million, combining salary, bonuses, and stock options. Interestingly, his retirement plan included retaining a company car, which highlights some personalization in executive benefits. Overall, Barr played a significant role in TDS's development during a pivotal time in telecommunications.

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1. Rivals

2. Holdings

3. Insider Trading

4. Compensation History

5. Other Telephone and Data Systems CEOs

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James Barr III

Ex-CEO of Telephone and Data Systems

Field of Expertise

Technology & Engineering - Telecommunications

Sector of Economy

Communication Services

CEO of Telephone and Data Systems for

0 years 11 months (Jan 2006 - Dec 2006)

Previous Experience

Unknown

Rivals

Competitors/colleagues of James Barr III

U

Laurent C. Therivel

CEO of United States Cellular

2022 Compensation

Stock

$29.98K

Salary

$824.89K

Bonus

$750.87K

Other

$29.00

Total Holdings

$5.88M

Holdings

See how much did James Barr III make over time.

James Barr III had significant equity interests in Telephone and Data Systems, especially notable around his retirement. In the years preceding his exit from TDS in 2007, he managed impressive stock holdings. For example, in 2005, he had vested stock...

James Barr III had significant equity interests in Telephone and Data Systems, especially notable around his retirement. In the years preceding his exit from TDS in 2007, he managed impressive stock holdings. For example, in 2005, he had vested stock options worth around $611,823. By 2006, his vested stock increased in value, contributing to his total compensation being around $3.3 million. The majority of his wealth was tied to TDS stock, showcasing his commitment and belief in the company's future. However, after his retirement in March 2007, his interests in the company transitioned into consulting roles rather than active leadership, representing a shift from hands-on management to advisory. Post-retirement, many of his holdings began to diversify as he stepped back from the telecommunications daily grind.

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Insider Trading

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No insider trades found for this CEO.

Compensation History

See how much did James Barr III make over time.

James Barr III's compensation over the years reflects his performance-driven approach. In 2006, the year before his retirement, he earned a total of $3,330,223. This included a salary of $654,195, a performance bonus of $320,000, and vested stocks valued at $581,286. His compensation emphasizes the company's philosophy of aligning executive pay with long-term corporate performance. This model kept him motivated and aligned with TDS's growth objectives. His earlier compensation was also noteworthy, with total earnings of $1,580,143 in 2005 reflecting his strong influence on the company's success and overall direction. Barr's compensation demonstrated TDS's commitment to recognizing leadership amid the evolving telecommunications industry.

Year

2006

Total Compensation

$1.57M

Salary

$654.20K

Board Justification

TDS’s compensation policies for executive officers are intended to provide incentives for the achievement of corporate and individual performance goals and to provide compensation consistent with the financial performance of TDS.

Bonus

$320.00K

Board Justification

The bonus earned in 2006 based on performance in 2005, paid in cash.

Other

$10.68K

Board Justification

Other compensation includes contributions to benefit plans and life insurance premiums.

Restricted Stock

$581.29K(15.3K RSU)

Board Justification

Restricted stock units granted in 2006 that vested upon retirement on March 24, 2007.

Performance Metrics

The performance metrics for determining the compensation include individual performance, contributions to TDS and its business units, and achievement of corporate objectives.

Other Telephone and Data Systems CEOs

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David A. Wittwer

Ex-CEO of Telephone and Data Systems

January 2007 - February 2025