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An integrated communications group takes shape as Vodafone and Arcor introduce an integrative management structure

26 June 2008

Joussen will take over as Arcor's CEO on 1 August - Stöber is to chair the supervisory board

Düsseldorf/Eschborn, 26.06.2008. Vodafone Germany and Arcor AG & Co. KG will integrate their executive management structures as of 1 August 2008. Vodafone Germany's CEO, Friedrich Joussen, will also be Arcor's CEO. Harald Stöber, Arcor's CEO up to now, will also take over Joussen's position as chairman of the Arcor supervisory board on 1 August 2008. At the same time, Executive Committee functions will be pooled so that Vodafone and Arcor can operate within an identical management structure from this time onwards.

Vodafone and Arcor aim to be the best integrated communications service provider in Germany by offering customers integrated products from a portfolio that includes mobile communications, fixed network, data services and broadband internet, plus the best customer service in the market. This will only be possible if Vodafone Germany and its subsidiary Arcor integrate their strategic and operative management structures in the very near future. This is essential to avoid unnecessary complexities and to pool the two companies' product worlds so that customers can obtain products and services from one single provider.

Friedrich Joussen said, "It's important to combine our strengths now that Arcor is Vodafone's full subsidiary. Our competitive advantages are simple, integrated products, excellent service and the best network. If we want to simplify things for our customers, we have to introduce simple and standard structures within our corporation. Central strategic management is absolutely essential if we are to prepare this integrated communications group for the future. That's why we've merged the Vodafone and Arcor Executive Committee functions. We want to grow together and create safe jobs. We're aiming to be the best integrated communications service provider in Germany." The Vodafone Group has around 15 000 employees and generates total revenue of around ten billion euro in Germany.

Arcor's previous CEO, Harald Stöber, won't be involved in the company's business operations. He'll be taking over as chairman of the Arcor supervisory board. "I'd like to thank Harald Stöber for his outstanding efforts in the development of Germany's biggest alternative fixed network provider. He has created a fantastic, profitable company over the last eleven years that is better positioned today than ever before and will continue to grow with Vodafone. I'm glad that Harald Stöber will be contributing his experience and recognised expertise as Arcor's future supervisory board chairman and that, in this way, he is actively supporting the integration and further development of our group," said Joussen.

As of 1 August 2008, Vodafone Germany and Arcor AG & Co. KG will be managed by the same Executive Committee with the following members:

  • Friedrich Joussen, CEO
  • Frank Rosenberger, Consumer
  • Jan Geldmacher, Enterprise (as of 1.9.2008)
  • Dr. Peter Walz, Wholesale
  • Achim Weusthoff, Customer Operations
  • Hartmut Kremling, CTO
  • Dr. Volker Ruloff, CFO
  • Thomas Ellerbeck, Corporate and Public Affairs and Foundations
  • Dr. Michael Hann, HR and Legal Affairs (Arcor)
  • Dr. Bernd Pill, Legal & Regulatory Affairs (Vodafone)
  • Michele A. Verna, HR (Vodafone)

A Strategy Board has also been formed. It will have an advisory function and its members will include all Executive Committee members, plus Arcor managers Georg Benzer, Dr. Jens Gutsche, Mark Klein and Norbert Westfal.

The new structure and management functions are subject to the approval of the supervisory boards of Arcor and Vodafone D2 GmbH.

If you have any queries, please contact:

Jens Kürten,
External Communications
Vodafone Germany
T: +49 211 533-6650
Press hotline: +49 211 533-5500

Vodafone Germany is one of the largest and most modern telecommunications providers in Europe. It realises turnover of more than EUR 10 billion and has 15,000 employees. In conjunction with its full subsidiary Arcor AG & Co KG, Vodafone Germany is an integrated technology and service provider with a portfolio including mobile communications, fixed network telephony, internet and broadband data services for business and private customers. Continuous development, numerous patents and investments in new products, services and the modern network have made Vodafone an innovation leader in the German telecommunications market. Vodafone Deutschland is headquartered in Düsseldorf and Arcor in Eschborn near Frankfurt. Vodafone and Arcor are committed to CSR and they also support numerous projects through the German Vodafone Foundation.

The companies are part of the Vodafone Group. Visit the websites at www.vodafone.de und www.arcor.de for further information.