Vodafone appoints new chief executive

Telecoms company Vodafone has appointed its new chief executive – and for the first time a woman will take the helm at the Newbury-headquartered firm.

Margherita Della Valle, who has been chief financial officer at the firm since July 2018, became interim CEO in December, replacing Nick Read.

As well as running the company, Margherita will continue as CFO until a new CFO is appointed.

Jean-François van Boxmeer, Vodafone Group chairman, said: "Margherita has a strong track record during her long career at Vodafone in marketing, operational, commercial and financial positions.

"Over the last few months as interim group chief executive, the board and I have been impressed with her pace and decisiveness to begin the necessary transformation of Vodafone.

"Margherita has the full support of myself and the board for her plans for Vodafone to provide better customer experience, become a simpler business and accelerate growth.”

Margherita said: "I am honoured to have been appointed as Group Chief Executive. Vodafone has a unique position in Europe and Africa with strong customer relationships, networks and people.

"To realise our potential Vodafone needs to change. We know we can do better. My focus will be to improve the service for our customers, simplify our business and grow.”