Set up in 2002, the division has expanded to 29 partners in 46 countries
Vodafone Czech Republic’s CEO Petr Dvořák is moving to London to run the telco’s nearly 50 partner markets worldwide.
The Partner Markets division was founded in 2002 and its task is to create strategic alliances in countries where Vodafone does not have its own network. It lets customers of the local operator use Vodafone’s services, while letting the telco extend its reach to markets where it does not have an equity stake.
“It was a long and successful journey, on which I met a whole range of exceptional people, from whom I always learned something. After everything we’ve been through and achieved together, saying goodbye won’t be easy,” said Dvořák.
“What I will miss the most are the great people who make up Vodafone’s unique culture. But for now, I’m still here, so I’m not sad and I’m looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities that my new role as CEO Partner Markets will bring,” he added.
Dvořák has been the CEO of Vodafone Czech Republic since February 2018. Before that, he held the position of vice president for the consumer segment for five years. His career in telecommunications began in 2001 when he joined T‑Mobile. He worked there in various managerial positions for more than ten years.
He will start the new role from September 2023 and until Vodafone Czech finds a suitable successor, he will perform both functions. Under his leadership, Vodafone strengthened its position in the Czech market, 5G was launched and the telco merged with UPC to become a provider of converged services. A strategic partnership was also concluded with T-Mobile to deploy fibre in nation.
Investment fund hire
Dvořák’s predecessor Diego Massidda was poached by Triple Point Investment Management as lead manager of Digital 9 Infrastructure (DGI9) in June. DGI9 has been in the doldrums following high profile departures from that fund in November 2022.
Before running Partner Markets, Vodafone veteran Massidda ran the telco’s business in Hungary and headed its carrier services division. Before Vodafone, Massidda ran Telecom Italia France. He is due to start at DGI9 in September, leading the team running the £992m portfolio – investments include Aqua Comms, Arqiva Group and Elio Networks (formerly, Host Ireland).