Top AT&T policy exec to retire

AT&T’s top policy executive is leaving the company.

Jim Cicconi will retire from the telecom giant, where he’s worked for more than a decade, at the end of September, according to an internal announcement obtained by The Hill. A spokesperson for the company confirmed his departure.

{mosads}Cicconi will be replaced by Bob Quinn, who leads the company’s federal regulatory advocacy.

He joined the company with significant experience in Republican politics. He worked in the White House under President Ronald Reagan, as a special assistant, and as the deputy chief of staff under President George H.W. Bush.

From there, he entered the private sector. He ascended to his current job, senior vice president for external and legislative affairs, in 2005.

The company is regularly among the top spenders on corporate lobbying in Washington. Last year, the company spent more than $16 million on federal lobbying, according to data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics.

“He is respected by everyone, regardless of political party or viewpoint, as a big thinker, a master strategist and someone able to bridge divides to get things done,” said CEO Randall Stephenson in the company’s announcement. “I greatly appreciate his leadership, wise counsel and countless contributions to AT&T over the years.”

Though he has given extensively to Republican candidates, he endorsed Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for president this year. Many tech leaders have opted to support her over Republican nominee Donald Trump, who has been wary of large tech companies and has repeated sparked outrage with his statements on the campaign trail.