Nick Read will step down as group chief executive and director of Vodafone at the end of this month. Following on, he will be available as an adviser to the company’s board until March 31, 2023.
According to Vodafone, Margherita Della Valle has been appointed interim group chief executive. She will accelerate the execution of the company’s strategy to improve operational performance and deliver shareholder value. In addition to being appointed interim group chief executive, she will also continue as group CFO. In addition, the board has initiated a process to find a new group chief executive.
Commenting on Read’s departure, Jean-François van Boxmeer, chairman of Vodafone, said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Nick for his commitment and significant contribution to Vodafone as group chief executive and throughout his career spanning more than two decades with the company.
“During his four years as CEO, he led Vodafone through the pandemic, ensuring that our customers remained connected with their families and businesses. He has focused Vodafone in Europe and Africa as a converged connectivity provider and led the industry in Europe in unlocking value from tower infrastructure.
“Margherita has recently been taking a broader operational role within the company and the board fully supports her as interim group chief executive”.