Philipp Humm said: “Vodafone is a powerful brand with a strong focus on the customer coupled with a clear strategy for growth. I look forward to joining the team.”

Paolo Bertoluzzo has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive for the new region, effective 1 August 2012.  He will also continue in his role as Chief Executive of Vodafone Italy. Paolo Bertoluzzo joined Vodafone in 1999 and was appointed Chief Executive of Vodafone Italy in 2008. Under his tenure, Vodafone Italy has achieved market share leadership in both service revenue and EBITDA as well as leadership in Net Promoter Score across all market segments.

The Southern Europe region comprises, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Albania and Malta.

Paolo Bertoluzzo said, “I welcome the opportunity to lead such an important part of Vodafone Group’s global portfolio through this challenging period.”