Retired Adm. Mullen to become Sprint Nextel security chief

VERLAND PARK, Kan., June 7 (UPI) -- Sprint Nextel Corp. said Friday retired U.S. Adm. Mike Mullen will join its board of directors and serve as the telecommunication company's security director.

Mullen, 66, will join the board of directors as an independent director after Sprint's proposed transaction with Softbank Corp., becoming the designated member overseeing security matters, Sprint said in a news release.

As Sprint's security director, Mullen will oversee the company's compliance with its national security agreement with the federal government and be the U.S. government's contact at the company for security-related matters, Sprint said.

"Adm. Mullen is an admired leader with an impeccable record," Sprint Chief Executive Officer Dan Hesse said. "We are fortunate that a person with his experience, accomplishments and reputation will be a member of our new board."

Mullen was the 17th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from October 2007 to September 2011.

Sprint and SoftBank previously revealed their planned merger, still subject to various conditions to closing, including receipt of approval of the Federal Communications Commission and adoption of the merger agreement by Sprint's stockholders.