Fortune · 18 Sep, 11:24 · Finance briefing

AT&T CFO Pascal Desroches reflects on a nearly 40-year finance career before retiring

Pascal Desroches, Chief Financial Officer at AT&T, is retiring after a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

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Pascal Desroches, Chief Financial Officer at AT&T, is retiring after a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades. His departure marks a significant leadership transition within one of the world’s largest telecommunications corporations. The news highlights the conclusion of a long tenure in corporate finance, prompting discussions on succession planning and the evolving demands of the CFO role in the modern digital economy. This development underscores the importance of experience and strategic financial oversight in large-scale infrastructure and technology firms.

Employer demand for Finance and Accounting skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

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This retirement signals a critical moment for finance leaders navigating complex regulatory and technological landscapes. You must recognise that modern CFO roles increasingly demand strategic agility alongside traditional accounting expertise. Focus on strengthening your financial modelling and risk management capabilities to remain competitive. Professionals in senior finance should proactively seek mentorship opportunities and deepen their understanding of digital transformation impacts on financial reporting. Prioritise continuous learning in compliance and governance to safeguard organisational integrity. By adapting to these shifting expectations, you position yourself for greater influence and career longevity in an era where financial strategy drives broader business innovation and resilience.

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Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
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