Sprint Names Forsee as Chief Executive

Sprint Corp., the nation’s third-largest long-distance carrier, named Gary D. Forsee its new chief executive, hours after receiving permission from an arbitrator to hire the No. 2 executive at rival BellSouth Corp.

The Overland Park, Kan., phone company said Foresee also would take a seat on Sprint’s board. Forsee, 52, replaces William T. Esrey, who was forced out over concerns about his use of a questionable tax shelter. Under the terms set by arbitrator and former federal judge William Webster, Forsee cannot participate in any merger and acquisition discussions or sales discussions for 12 months.