Chairman and CEO, Qwest Communications International

Edward A. Mueller was elected chairman and chief executive officer of Qwest Communications International Inc. in August 2007. Qwest is a leading provider of voice, video and data services. The company’s approximately 37,000 employees are committed to the “Spirit of Service” and providing world-class services that exceed customers’ expectations for quality, value and reliability.

Mueller most recently led Williams-Sonoma Inc., which he joined as chief executive officer in January 2003 and served until July 2006.He joined the company’s board of directors in 1999 and departed in 2007. Williams-Sonoma owns and operates home-centered retail chains, including Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn.

Before joining Williams-Sonoma, Mueller served as president and chief executive officer of Ameritech Corporation, a subsidiary of SBC Communications, Inc., from 2000 to 2002; as president of SBC International Operations from 1999 to 2000; and as president of Pacific Bell from 1997 to 1999. He joined SBC in 1968, and held other executive positions, including that of president and chief executive officer of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.

In addition to serving as chairman of the board of Qwest, Mueller is a member of the board of directors of The Clorox Company. He is also a member of the board of trustees of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

A native of St. Louis, he holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Missouri and an executive MBA degree from Washington University.