New Chairman and CEO named Nikos Sophocleous
On 31.03.2008, after 16 years at Vodafone Greece helm, George Koronias hands over his position as the Chairman and CEO of the company. At first,He was appointed General Manager and CEO of Panafon which was later re-branded to Vodafone. Under his leadership, the company was evolved to the leading mobile network operator in Greece ; his charismatic personality was highly recognized and respected by Vodafone and the wider Greek business community.
As Chairman and CEO of Vodafone Greece is appointed Nikos Sophocleous. Nikos is a highly experienced global executive with a proven track record of success in a broad range of posts across the globe, in both emerging and mature markets. His strong marketing background counts for almost fifteen years of experience within Procter & Gamble in Greece, UK and the Middle East. He subsequently held a number of international general management roles within the Barilla Group, latterly as CEO of subsidiary companies in Greece, North America and Germany. His appointment will be effective from 1st March to ensure a smooth transition into the CEO role.
George Koronias commented as follows: «Sixteen years have passed since we began the development of the first mobile telephony network in Greece.; An extraordinary and pioneering effort that managed to change the life of Greeks. Our aim is that any move we make should reflect with a positive way to the future and the society; we developed with Vodafone’s immense support and assistance, a company of 2750 employees that provides mobile communication in everyone within Greece. All these years, we tried continuously to add value in every business decision not only for the benefit of our customers but for the benefit of our employees, our suppliers, the society and our share holders.
There are numerous moments of this great journey each and every one with its own special meaning. Even the difficult ones contributed positively in our experience and made us stronger. Hence, feeling fulfilled and knowing that the assignment I took over on 1992, beared its respected fruits, with Vodafone as a firm guarantor of the excellence in service quality for all our customers, it is time for me to hand over the helm of this great effort into the company’s new era. An era with challenges, strong competition, market aggressiveness and a Vodafone Group bigger and stronger than ever in order to continue providing to our customers within Greece pioneer products and services.
During this long trip, I found support from very capable colleagues both in Greece and in Vodafone Group as well. I sincerely thank every one of them because without them, our vision would not have become reality. I am definitely sure that the new Chairman and CEO, Nikos Sophocleous, will not only fully respond to the demands of his leading role but will deal with excess effectiveness in the future challenges in telecoms market. I wish Nikos, every health and prosperity into his new journey along will all Vodafone Greece employees."
For more information please contact:
Mr Dimitris Michopoulos, Corporate Affairs Director, tel. (+30)210 6702432, mob. (+30) 6944 600070, fax (+30) 210 6702376, e-mail: dimitris.michopoulos@vodafone.com
Mrs Katerina Papakonstantinou, Corporate Communication Manager tel. (+30) 210 6702166, mob. (+30) 6944 800070, fax (+30) 210 6702376, e-mail: katerina.papakonstantinou@vodafone.com