G. Edward Evans has been a leader in the telecommunications industry for over 35 years. Since late 2020, Mr. Evans has served as the Chairman and CEO of Consumer Cellular, Inc. Consumer Cellular is a leading Mobile Virtual Network Operator backed by the private equity firm GTCR. Mr. Evans has enjoyed a 25-year relationship with GTCR as an operating and investing partner.
From 2008 until 2015 Mr. Evans was a member of the Board of Directors and later CEO of Intelliquent, NASDAQ: IQNT. Intelliquent offered fiber connectivity around the globe for telecommunications providers. Intelliquent was sold to GTCR in 2016.
In June of 2008, Mr. Evans acquired the majority ownership in Oak Tree Golf Club in Edmond, Oklahoma. Oak Tree Golf Club underwent an extensive multi-million dollar renovation project as was recently re-opened as Oak Tree National. Mr. Evans is committed to providing members of Oak Tree National the finest golf experience in the region. Additionally, Mr. Evans is focused on attracting major professional and amateur tournaments back to Oklahoma City. Oak Tree National hosted the USGA 2014 US Senior Open and Mr. Evans served as Chairman for the event.
In 2007, Mr. Evans founded Stelera Broadband. Stelera provided high-speed Internet services to over 40 rural communities in Four Midwestern states. Stelera Wireless deployed the first HSPA wireless network in the United States with Nokia. Mr. Evans was the largest shareholder of Stelera and served on the company’s management board.
Previously, Mr. Evans was CEO and Chairman of Syniverse Holdings, Inc. NYSE:SVR. Mr. Evans and GTCR acquired a division of Verizon Communications in February 2002 and created Syniverse Technologies, Inc. In February of 2005 Syniverse became a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE:SVR. Mr. Evans served as Chief Executive Officer from February 2002 until January 2006. Mr. Evans remained Chairman of the Board until January of 2007. Private equity firm KKR acquired Syniverse in 2010 for $3.2B
From January 1997 to January 2002, Mr. Evans was with Dobson Communications Corporation, first as President of its cellular subsidiaries and then as President and Chief Operating Officer of the organization. Dobson Communications grew to one of the ten largest cellular telephone companies in the nation and became a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ in 1999, NASDAQ:DCEL. AT&T acquired the company in 2008 for $5.8B
Prior to joining Dobson Communications, he worked for BellSouth Mobility, Inc., now AT&T, NYSE:T from 1993 to 1996, serving as vice president/general manager for Kentucky, director of field operations at BellSouth’s corporate office in Atlanta and director of marketing in Alabama. Mr. Evans also held positions with U.S. Cellular from 1990 to 1993 and with GTE Mobilnet from 1989 to 1990.
Mr. Evans is a Legacy Director for the University of Florida’s Gator Boosters, Inc. and is on the Board of Directors for The University Athletic Association at the University of Florida. Mr. Evans is a National Trustee for First Tee. Mr. Evans is also a member of the CNBC CEO Council.
Mr. Evans holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Georgia State University.
