Shenandoah Appoints Edward McKay as CEO, Christopher French to Step Down

Shenandoah has appointed Edward McKay as President and CEO, effective September 1. McKay is currently EVP and COO, a role he has held since July 2021. He joined Shentel in 2004 and previously worked at UUNET and Verizon. Christopher French, Shentel's current President and CEO, will step into the role of Executive Chairman of the Board.

Title: Shenandoah Telecommunications Appoints Edward McKay as President and CEO

Shenandoah Telecommunications Company (Shentel) has announced a significant leadership transition, appointing Edward H. "Ed" McKay as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective September 1, 2025. Christopher E. French, the current CEO, will transition to the role of Executive Chairman of the Board, continuing to be actively involved in strategic guidance.

McKay, currently serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) since July 2021, brings extensive experience in the telecommunications industry. With 29 years of experience, including roles at UUNET and Verizon, McKay has overseen key operations such as sales, marketing, engineering, operations, IT, and customer service at Shentel. His appointment reflects a carefully orchestrated succession plan developed over the last five years [1].

French, who has been the CEO since 2021, will remain active as Executive Chairman, working closely with the senior leadership team and the Board of Directors. This arrangement ensures continuity of leadership and strategic direction while empowering McKay's operational expertise [2].

McKay's appointment signals a continuation of Shentel's strategic focus on fiber growth. He has emphasized his commitment to building on the strong platform for growth established under French's leadership, ensuring an uninterrupted focus on executing the company's strategic plan [3].

Shentel provides broadband services through its high-speed, state-of-the-art fiber optic and cable networks to residential and commercial customers in eight contiguous states in the eastern United States. The company's services include broadband internet, video, voice, high-speed Ethernet, dark fiber leasing, and managed network services [4].

References:
[1] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/07/31/3125494/0/en/Shenandoah-Telecommunications-Appoints-Edward-H-Ed-McKay-as-President-CEO-Christopher-E-French-Transitions-to-New-Role-as-Executive-Chairman.html
[2] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4476127-shenandoah-telecommunications-announces-ceo-transition
[3] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/SHEN/shenandoah-telecommunications-appoints-edward-h-ed-mc-kay-as-c1eyv56hekp8.html
[4] https://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/shenandoah-telecommunications-appoints-edward-h-ed-mckay-president-ceo-christopher-e