Sprint's CEO Searches For a Stronger Signal

In early January, just a few days after Sprint Nextel Corp. warned that it would report disappointing fourth-quarter results, investors confronted Chief Executive Gary Forsee at a Las Vegas telecom conference.

Top shareholders vented over what they saw as mismanagement of the cellphone company, and in one heated session, Mr. Forsee was asked why he deserved to keep his job, according to people familiar with the matter.

As Sprint struggles with sluggish subscriber growth and a sagging stock price, Mr. Forsee has come under increased scrutiny. The company is losing subscribers in its most profitable customer segment -- people who ...