Veteran telecom legal and regulatory leader joins from UScellular; Michael Olsen moves to Senior Executive Counsel, Capital Transformation
Optimum Communications, Inc. (NYSE: OPTU) today announced the appointment of Adriana Rios Welton as General Counsel and Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer, effective immediately. She will lead the company's Legal team as well as Government and Regulatory Affairs and ESG, reporting to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Mathew.
Rios Welton joins Optimum with more than 15 years of legal, regulatory and public affairs leadership in the telecommunications industry across the U.S. and Latin America. She most recently served as General Counsel and Chief of Government Affairs at UScellular where she led the company through a strategic realignment. A graduate of Princeton University, she holds a J.D. from Duke University School of Law.
"Adriana is a rare combination of sharp legal judgment, regulatory expertise, and deep commitment to the customers, teammates, and communities we serve," said Dennis Mathew, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Optimum. "As we continue transforming the customer experience, simplifying how we operate, and executing our long-term strategy, Adriana's leadership will be invaluable. She has guided organizations through complex business and regulatory environments while building strong partnerships and delivering results. Her strategic perspective and collaborative approach will help position our business for long-term success as we remain focused on disciplined execution, investing where we see the strongest returns, and delivering best-in-class connectivity to the communities we serve."
"Optimum is at an inflection point, and that's what drew me here," said Rios Welton. "I'm looking forward to partnering with Dennis and the leadership team, and to building on the strong foundation Michael and his team have created."
Rios Welton succeeds Michael Olsen, who will transition to the previously disclosed role of Senior Executive Counsel, Capital Transformation, through the end of 2027. In that role, Olsen will lead legal execution of the company's capital structure transformation. Working closely with Chief Financial Officer Marc Sirota, external advisors, and Rios Welton, he will help ensure alignment between strategy and execution, protecting the company's interests and maintaining stakeholder confidence throughout the process.
"During Michael's 25-year career with Optimum, he has guided the organization through growth and transformation, and we have relied on his legal judgment and policy insight at every turn," Mathew added. "His work reshaping our capital structure has strengthened the company for the long term, and he will continue to play an important role in this area. We thank him for his years of leadership and ongoing support."
About Optimum Communications
Optimum Communications, Inc. (NYSE: OPTU) is one of the largest broadband communications and video services providers in the United States, delivering broadband, video, mobile, proprietary content and advertising services to approximately 4.2 million residential and business customers across 21 states through its Optimum brand. We operate Optimum Media, an advanced advertising and data business, which provides audience-based, multiscreen advertising solutions to local, regional and national businesses and advertising clients. We also operate News 12, which is focused on delivering best-in-class hyperlocal news content.
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