Vodafone Spain names Portugal chief Vaz as CEO

Vodafone España has named Mário Vaz, hitherto CEO of Vodafone’s Portuguese operation, as its new chief executive, effective April 1.

Mário Vaz

Vaz began his career with Vodafone Portugal in 1992 and became CEO in 2012. He had previously served both as head of business services and head of consumer services.

Vaz is credited with guiding Vodafone Portugal’s transition from being a purely mobile player to being a convergent service provider.

He is also credited with making Vodafone the most highly rated telco in the country, according to an Informe Merco 2022 report, and improving the reach and profitability of the company.

Vaz has also directed various projects aimed at expanding the company’s fibre network. The company now claims to reach 4.3 million homes with fixed and convergent offerings.

As CEO of the Spanish operation, Vaz will continue to report to Serpil Timuray, CEO of Vodafone’s ‘European cluster’, into which Vodafone Spain was fully integrated in January, a move designed to simplify the group structure and return the Spanish operation to growth.

Vaz replaces Colman Deegan, who also announced his departure from the company in January.

“It is an honour for me to lead Vodafone España, an exceptional company that is recognised for the talent of its professional employees, for its reputable brand with a purpose to contribute to the country and pioneer innovative technologies and services. I look forward to help drive the growth of the company on these foundations,” said Vaz.

“Mário is an exceptional leader with a consistent track record of serving our customers, as well as business growth, shareholder value generation, internal talent development and contribution to society. I look forward to working with Mário and helping Vodafone Spain to serve our customers and society with determination and excellence,” said Timuray.