Vodafone Appoints Microsoft's López as New CFO, Mucic to Join Vonovia

Vodafone Group (VOD.US) has announced the appointment of Pilar López as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective December. López, who previously held senior positions at Microsoft, including Chief Operating Officer for Western Europe and Country Manager for Spain, will join the company in October as the interim CFO. She will take over the role from Luka Mucic, who has announced his resignation effective November 30.

Mucic, who was appointed as Vodafone's CFO in 2023, will be leaving the company to take on the role of CEO at Vonovia, Germany's largest real estate company. Prior to joining Vodafone, Mucic spent nearly a decade as the CFO of SAP SE, a German software conglomerate, where he began his career. Mucic was selected by Vodafone's CEO, Margherita Della Valle, to lead the company's ambitious transformation plan.

During his tenure, Mucic oversaw the sale of Vodafone's underperforming assets in Spain and Italy, and secured approval from the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for a merger with Three UK, a subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd. Mucic also personally visited customers in Germany to address regulatory changes that led to a significant loss of customers in the company's largest market.

López's appointment comes at a critical time for Vodafone as the company continues to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving telecommunications industry. Her extensive experience in finance and operations, coupled with her deep understanding of the European market, is expected to be a valuable asset to Vodafone as it seeks to drive growth and innovation. López's background at Microsoft, where she held key roles in Western Europe and Spain, positions her well to contribute to Vodafone's strategic initiatives and financial management.

López's transition into the CFO role will be seamless, as she will start as the interim CFO in October, allowing for a smooth handover from Mucic. This strategic move ensures that Vodafone maintains continuity in its financial leadership during a period of significant change and growth. The company's decision to appoint López reflects its commitment to bringing in top talent to drive its future success.

Vodafone's selection of López as its new CFO underscores the company's focus on leveraging experienced leadership to navigate the complexities of the telecommunications sector. As the industry continues to evolve, López's expertise in finance and operations will be crucial in helping Vodafone achieve its strategic goals and maintain its competitive edge. Her appointment is a testament to Vodafone's proactive approach to leadership succession and its dedication to fostering a culture of innovation and growth.