Chicago-based UScellular has promoted Adriana Rios Welton, head of legal and government Affairs, to general counsel. She takes over the title from John Kelsh, who will focus on his role as general counsel at parent company Telephone and Data Systems (TDS).
Welton’s promotion comes as the company undergoes a strategic review which could ultimately lead to a sale for the carrier. Title upgrades like Welton’s could give her an advantage in any merger and acquisitions negotiations, noted legal department consultant and Argopoint managing partner Jason Winmill.