Vodafone Group Plc has announced a number of changes to its organisational structure, as well as several new senior management appointments.
Michel Combes will take up the post of CEO, Europe Region on 1 October. Combes will be responsible for all markets that are currently part of the Europe Region, together with Global Marketing and Global Technology and Vodafone Business Services. He will also join the Executive Committee.
For the past two years, Combes has been Chairman and CEO of TDF Group, the private equity-backed French operator of shared facilities and terrestrial networks in Europe. He previously spent a number of years with France Telecom in senior management positions.
I am pleased that we have recruited someone of Michels talents and expertise, says Vodafone Group Chief Executive, Vittorio Colao. I am confident that he will bring significant experience to Vodafone, given his impressive telecoms and entrepreneurial background.
Vodafone Group is also reorganising its EMAPA region into two regions with effect from 1 January 2009. These are the Central Europe/Africa Region, and the Asia-Pacific Region. The two regional CEOs will join the Executive Committee. These appointments will be announced in due course.
In addition, Vodafone says its investment in Verizon Wireless will not be part of any operating region and, in light of its financial and strategic importance, will be managed directly at a senior level by Vittorio Colao, Andy Halford and Terry Kramer.
Terry Kramer becomes Group Strategy and Business Improvement Director with immediate effect. In this role he will be responsible for strategy development, for the initiatives aimed at productivity and efficiency gains across the Group, and for the governance and coordination of the relationship with Verizon Wireless. Kramer will also continue in his current role as Group HR Director, while the company conducts a search for his successor in the role.
Finally, Vodafone has revealed that Paul Donovan, CEO EMAPA region has decided to leave Vodafone at the end of the year. 
