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Finance chief Mark Evans to take over from Ronan Dunne on 1 August.
O2 UK on Friday announced that finance chief Mark Evans will become its new CEO from the beginning of August, replacing Ronan Dunne, who will leave the company.
Evans joined the mobile operator as CFO in January 2012. In addition to his duties as finance chief, he also oversees O2’s low-cost MVNO unit Giffgaff, and is chairman of Tesco Mobile, a supermarket MVNO half owned by O2.
"I am hugely excited by the opportunity to lead O2 through its next chapter," said Evans, in a statement. "O2 has a track record in redefining itself to keep pace with technology change and customer demand, and has an enormous amount to offer within the evolving telecoms market. I’m very much looking forward to maintaining the momentum in the business and striving to make our customers the most satisfied in the U.K., long into the future."
He replaces Ronan Dunne, who has held the role since January 2008. In September 2015, it emerged that Dunne intended to step down if the planned merger between O2 and 3UK went ahead. However, that deal was blocked by the European Commission, prompting Dunne to lead a strategic review of O2’s options.
That review has now been completed and O2 UK has been reconsolidated into parent Telefonica’s business. As a result, Dunne will hand over the reins to Evans and step down from the board at the end of July. He will serve in an advisory role until September.
"O2 is a very special brand and business, which has made this an incredibly difficult decision to make. We have built an outstanding team to take the business forward and in Mark, Telefonica has chosen a colleague and leader with outstanding commercial acumen and a drive to win," Dunne said.
"Mark’s contribution as CFO has been instrumental in delivering revenue and profit growth over the last four years and I know the business will be in good hands with him as leader," said Telefonica chairman José María Álvarez-Pallete.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Ronan for his outstanding leadership, dedication and achievements," he continued. "He has led the O2 brand to achieve great things on behalf of its customers, employees and shareholders and built a team of talent to be proud of. I wish him all the best for the future."
