Joseph P. Nacchio.

• Position: Brief Article

Three years ago, Joseph P. Nacchio set out to shape a new company; today he is shaping the world of communications.

After working his way up to executive vice president of AT&T's Consumer and Small Business Division, Nacchio decided to follow his entrepreneurial spirit and signed on as president and CEO of a little known telecom upstart backed by visionary financier Philip Anschutz. Three years later, that company, Qwest Communications International, Inc., has become a household name.

"During the past three years Qwest has become one of the fastest growing Internet communications companies in the world, solidifying Qwest's position as the third-largest carrier of Internet traffic," said Nacchio.

Nacchio has clear goals for the future of Qwest. The company aims to revolutionize world communications and seems to be well on its way. Qwest has constructed a broadband internet network that spreads over 104,000 miles around the world.

Nacchio has a clear strategy to becoming the market leader for worldwide broadband Internet communications. Part of Qwest's rapid growth can be attributed to Nacchio's ability to foster partnerships and alliances with other leaders in the technology industry. Qwest has established strategic relationships with the likes of IBM, Oracle, Hewlett-Packard, and Microsoft. Acquisitions and mergers, such as the much-publicized acquisition of with US WEST, have also led to the company's tremendous success.

While such growth makes shareholders happy, it sometimes leaves Nacchio with the tough decisions...