Sprint wireless chief moves on

The chief executive of Sprint PCS, the wireless division of the US telecom group, is leaving his post amid fears the pending deal with MCI WorldCom will not be given government clearance.

Andrew Sukawaty announced he is leaving immediately to join an undisclosed European company.

He said his decision to leave was personal and had nothing to do with the MCI WorldCom deal. "Sprint PCS was my fourth start-up venture, it's been a great experience. It is just time to move on," he said.

However in a recent announcement to shareholders, Sprint CEO William Esrey, said that he was doubtful if the $130m merger with MCI WorldCom, which has come under attack for being anti-competitive, would be given government clearance.

The merger would give the two companies control of more than 50 per cent of the global internet infrastructure. The US Department of Justice is recommending the merger be blocked.

Sukawaty has headed Sprint PCS since 1994. During that time the company increased its market value from $7bn to over $60bn.