Level 3 Communications names Ryan chief legal officer as Storz retires

Level 3 Communications names new head of legal

BROOMFIELD, Colo. — Level 3 Communications Inc., which provides wholesale Internet networking services, has named John M. Ryan as chief legal officer.

He will succeed Thomas C. Stortz, 59, who will retire at year’s end, the company said Wednesday.

Ryan, 47, has been with the company since 1999 and has led its public policy group since 2005.

He was previously an associate and partner at Fraser Stryker Law Firm, where he dealt with the communications industry.

Storz will stay on as an adviser through the first quarter of 2011, the company said.

Level 3 shares rose 2 cents to close at $1.11.