Verizon appoints a new CEO for the ‘next phase’ after its 5G rollout — and this time, it’s Dan Schulman, the former PayPal leader. Starting today, Schulman replaces outgoing CEO Hans Vestberg, marking a major leadership shift as Verizon looks beyond 5G and into its next chapter of innovation.

According to Verizon board chair Mark Bertolini, Schulman’s appointment signals a renewed focus on business expansion and long-term strategy. Vestberg, who has served as CEO since 2018, will transition into a special advisor role through October 2026.

A New Chapter For Verizon’s Leadership

Hans Vestberg’s tenure saw Verizon through one of its most ambitious undertakings — the nationwide 5G rollout. Under his leadership, Verizon invested billions in building next-generation infrastructure and acquiring Frontier’s fiber network for $20 billion, a move later approved by the FCC.

Now, as Verizon appoints a new CEO for the ‘next phase’ after its 5G rollout, the company is looking to reimagine its business amid slowing smartphone upgrades and changing consumer behavior.

From PayPal To Verizon: Dan Schulman’s Next Challenge

Schulman is best known for transforming PayPal into a fintech powerhouse during his nearly decade-long leadership. After stepping down from PayPal in 2023, he now takes the helm at Verizon — a company navigating the complex intersection of telecom, technology, and digital services.

His leadership background positions him to drive Verizon’s growth in new areas like AI-powered network optimization, enterprise solutions, and digital payments integration.

What’s Next For Verizon After 5G

With the 5G rollout largely complete, Verizon’s focus is shifting toward monetizing its massive network investment. The company aims to expand its fixed wireless access (FWA) services, improve broadband availability, and explore AI-driven efficiencies across its infrastructure.

Schulman’s appointment could also mean a sharper focus on customer experience and subscription-based models — lessons learned from his PayPal years.

As Verizon appoints a new CEO for the ‘next phase’ after its 5G rollout, the telecom giant faces both opportunities and challenges. Slower device upgrade cycles, increased competition from T-Mobile, and the rapid evolution of AI-driven communication tools will test Schulman’s leadership in the years ahead.

Still, with his fintech expertise and proven track record of scaling digital ecosystems, Verizon may be positioning itself to redefine what a telecom company looks like in the AI era.