Deutsche Telekom CEO Rene Obermann will become the CEO of Dutch cable operator Ziggo from January 1, 2014.
Obermann will succeed Bernard Dijkhuizen, who will retire. Obermann announced last December that he would step down at Deutsche Telekom at the end of 2013.
Ziggo said in a statement that “this planned transition coincides with the previously disclosed retirement of the current CEO, Bernard Dijkhuizen in January 2014, and assures continued strong leadership of Ziggo in future. “
“We are very excited to have Rene Obermann join Ziggo. His leadership skills and broad global experience in fixed and mobile telecoms will help to drive continued long term growth and service innovation at Ziggo, said Andy Sukawaty, chairman of the supervisory board.
“Bernard Dijkhuizen, who as previously announced, will retire next year, will continue to lead Ziggo through this year and will work with René Obermann to ensure a smooth transition. Under Bernard’s leadership, Ziggo has realised great success in delivering world leading services to consumers in the Netherlands. René Obermann is a perfect successor to lead the company through a new phase of growth, innovation and market leadership.”
René Obermann added: “After 15 happy years at Deutsche Telekom, I am very pleased to join Ziggo. This opportunity fulfills my strong wish as an entrepreneur to move closer to operational activities and to be involved in a fast changing world of offering products and services in media and entertainment.”
The announcment comes at a time when rumours in the Dutch market started to ciculate that Duco Sickinghe, who is stepping down as CEO of Telenet., might be a candidate for the position as CEO of Ziggo.
