Vodafone makes Margherita Della Valle its first permanent female chief exec
Vodafone makes Margherita Della Valle its first permanent female chief exec after a five-month search
Vodafone has confirmed that its temporary CEO Margherita Della Valle will fill the role permanently after a “rigorous internal and external search”.
Della Valle was the telecom giant’s chief financial officer, but took over on an interim basis after predecessor Nick Read was ousted last year.
The search for a replacement lasted nearly five months, creating uncertainty as to whether anyone was willing to take on the role.
Della Valle will now take up the position of chief executive while also continuing her previous role of chief financial officer as the company searches for a replacement.
Top job: Margherita Della Valle (pictured) used to be Vodafone’s chief financial officer, but took over on an interim basis after her predecessor Nick Read was ousted last year
It also means that the FTSE 100 now has nine women permanently in chief executive positions.
“I am honored to have been appointed Group Chief Executive. To realize our potential, Vodafone must change. We know we can do better.
“My focus will be to improve service for our customers, simplify and grow our business,” she said.
Chairman Jean-Francois van Boxmeer added: ‘During her long career at Vodafone, Margherita has a strong track record in marketing, operational, commercial and financial roles.
‘Over the past few months as interim director of the group, the Executive Board and I have been impressed by her speed and decisiveness to initiate Vodafone’s necessary transformation.’
Part increased by 1.7 percent, or 1.62p, to 92.7p.