Following the recently announced strengthening of the Group's management structure, Vodafone UK Limited ("Vodafone UK") announces the appointment of Gavin Darby as Vodafone UK Chief Operating Officer from 1 April 2001.
Gavin will oversee the main operational functions of the company reporting to Peter Bamford, Chief Executive North Europe, Middle East and Africa Region (UK, Belgium, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, Egypt, Kenya and South Africa), who takes up his increased responsibilities on 1 April 2001.
Gavin joins Vodafone UK from Coca-Cola, where he has worked since 1984. He has extensive general management experience having run a number of Coca-Cola's European businesses, as well as having had responsibility for the management of its Central Europe and North-West Europe regions.
Chris Gent, Vodafone Group Chief Executive, commented: "We welcome Gavin to Vodafone. His experience in managing a world class brand in highly competitive markets will be particularly valuable as we continue to build upon our number one position in the UK. Gavin's appointment will also allow Peter to concentrate on his increased responsibilities, ensuring a continued high degree of focus on the critical UK market."
For further information contact:
Vodafone Group Plc
Tim Brown, Group Corporate Affairs Director
Melissa Stimpson, Head of Group Investor Relations
Jon Earl, Investor Relations Manager
Telephone: +44 (0) 1635 33251
Tavistock Communications
Lulu Bridges
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7600 2288