Swiss mobile operator Salt has recruited former Google executive Andreas Schönenberger to become its new CEO. Salt, which rebranded from Orange Switzerland in April 2015, said Schönenberger’s “comprehensive knowledge” of the country’s mobile market would be crucial for its further development.
Swiss mobile operator Salt has recruited former Google executive Andreas Schönenberger to be its new CEO.
Schönenberger fills the vacancy left by Johan Andsjö, who left the operator abruptly on 7 December. In the interim Pierre-Alain Allemand has been acting CEO.
Salt, which rebranded from Orange Switzerland in April 2015, said Schönenberger’s “comprehensive knowledge” of the country’s mobile market would be crucial for its further development, according to a company statement.
Schönenberger headed up Google’s Swiss operations between 2006 and 2010. Since he left the group he has held diverse roles, leading Swiss mobile association smama, advising investment bank Ermgassen & Co, and sitting on the boards of Bisnode, Publigroupe, Sanitas, and Zanox.
“I am very excited to take up this new challenge and to lead and support Salt and its team to the next level of growth,” Schönenberger said.
The new CEO also said he was relishing the prospect of working with maverick investor Xavier Niel, who bought the operator in late 2014 from Apax Partners for SFr2.8bn (US$2.9bn) through his NJJ Capital vehicle.
“I am thrilled to have an experienced and successful entrepreneur as shareholder with a long-term perspective,” Schönenberger said.
Niel, who made his name with French challenger Iliad, welcomed Schönenberger to the group and said it was part of his strategy to re-engineer the company from the ground up.
“I am convinced that by appointing Andreas as CEO of Salt we have a strong management team to execute our strategy of profitable growth and innovation in Switzerland,” Niel said.