Kappel, Frederick R.

Kappel, Frederick R. (Russell)

(1902– ) communications executive; born in Albert Lea, Minn. Trained as an engineer, he earned a reputation as an able administrator in the Midwestern Bell telephone system before becoming president of its subsidiary Western Electric (1954–56) and of American Telephone and Telegraph Co. (1956–61, chairman and CEO 1961–67). His innovations include the first transcontinental coaxial cable and the first cross-country microwave transmission facility. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1964).