Barry Allen, retired executive vice president of operations for Qwest Communications, announced today he has been named a senior advisor to Providence Equity Partners, a Rhode Island-based private equity firm. He will advise Providence on telecom industry issues and investment opportunities.

Allen retired from Qwest on June 29 of this year, saying, “It is now time to close this chapter of my career with Qwest, as I have decided to spend more time with my family.”

At Qwest, Allen oversaw network and information technology operations. Joining Providence Equity Partners marks his return to private equity after having owned and run his own private equity investment and management from 2000 to 2002. He also served as president of Ameritech in Chicago, where he started his career in 1974.

"Barry brings exceptionally deep knowledge of the telecommunications industry," Paul J. Salem, senior managing director of Providence Equity Partners, said in a statement. "His operational experience and expertise will be invaluable as he advises us on some of our current investments and assists in identifying new investment opportunities."