Philipp Humm has resigned as CEO of T-Mobile USA to join its parent Deutsche Telekom’s rival Vodafone as CEO of north and central Europe, according to statements from the companies. Humm’s position at Vodafone is newly created and part of a…
Philipp Humm has resigned as CEO of T-Mobile USA to join its parent Deutsche Telekom’s rival Vodafone as CEO of north and central Europe, according to statements from the companies.
Humm’s position at Vodafone is newly created and part of a reorganisation, first mooted in reports last month. It marks Vodafone’s third internal restructuring since CEO Vittorio Colao took up his role four years ago.
T-Mobile USA moved swiftly to appoint its COO Jim Alling as interim CEO and is on the hunt for a full time replacement. Deutsche Telekom CEO Rene Obermann praised Humm’s service in a statement, but also said: “Now we need somebody who can convert initiatives into market-successes.”
News of Humm’s departure filtered out yesterday evening, with T-Mobile’s initial line being that its CEO has chosen to return to Europe to reunite with his family. But an internal email from DT’s CEO leaked to The Wall Street Journal clarified that Humm was actually due to leave his role in September. His departure had been sped up after he told Obermann he was to join a rival.
A statement from Vodafone to the LSE this morning revealed they had poached Humm, who had been with Deutsche Telekom since 2005.
His resume was likely his main appeal for the rival to appoint Humm. “Vodafone have gone for his longstanding managerial experience in mature markets,” said Emeka Obiodu, analyst at Ovum. In his new role Humm will oversee Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Turkey, Ireland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Romania.
Vodafone also revealed that they have appointed Paolo Bertoluzzo as CEO of southern Europe. He was CEO of Vodafone Italy and will continue to be as it falls under his regional remit.
The restructure is a reflection of Europe’s new economic reality. “The dynamics in Europe have changed as we have seen divergence between southern Europe and northern Europe,” explained Obiodu.
Group CEO Vittorio Colao said in statement: “Our new regional structure will underpin our strategy focused on meeting our customers’ long-term needs, and Paolo and Philipp will be strong additions to the Vodafone Group Executive Committee.”
