Vodafone names Della Valle as CEO with a mission for change

Vodafone has appointed Margherita Della Valle as its new chief executive officer, citing her strong leadership and ability to drive the necessary transformation of the mobile operator. Della Valle, who previously served as the company’s chief financial officer, took on the role on an interim basis after the abrupt departure of former CEO Nick Read in December. Some investors had pushed for an outsider to be hired, but Vodafone’s biggest shareholder, Emirates Investment Authority, supported Della Valle’s appointment. Analysts suggest that her appointment suggests little deviation in strategy from Read’s tenure, but provides a safe pair of hands during a challenging time. Della Valle is anticipated to finalise her first significant business agreement, which involves the merger of Vodafone UK and Hutchison’s Three in the United Kingdom. She has been actively working towards the completion of this deal.