Vittorio Colao, Vodafone's new chief executive, today announced a series of management and operational changes, including a new boss for Europe and splitting the group’s emerging markets division in two.

In his first move since taking the reins at Vodafone in July, Mr Colao has recruited Michel Combes, from TDF Group, the French TV logistics company, who will join the telecoms giant on October 1.

Mr Combes, who also spent several years in senior management positions at France Telecom, will also take responsibility for global marketing, global technology and Vodafone business services and joins the group's executive committee.

In addition, the group has reorganised its emerging markets business.

The EMAPA region — Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and affiliates — will be split in two from January 1, reflecting Vodafone's recent growth in Africa, where it bought a 70 per cent stake in Ghana Telecom in July, and India, where it bought Hutchison Essar last year.

Central Europe and Africa will be grouped in one section, while Asia-Pacific will form the second region. Two regional chief executives will be announced in due course, the company said.

Paul Donovan, current head of the group's existing emerging business division, and once considered a runner for group chief executive, has decided to step down at the end of the year. A Vodafone spokesman said it was Mr Donovan's decision to leave. He will continue in his position until January 1, 2009.

Vodafone said under the new system its investment in Verizon Wireless, its US joint venture, would not be part of any operating region "in light of its financial and strategic importance".

It will be managed directly at a senior level by Mr Colao, Andy Halford, Vodafone's chief financial officer, and Terry Kramer. Vodafone owns Verizon Wireless, the second-largest US mobile service provider, with Verizon Communications.

Vodafone said Mr Kramer would become the group strategy and business improvement director with immediate effect, responsible for strategy development, efficiency gains and coordination of the relationship with Verizon Wireless.

Mr Kramer will also continue in his current role as group HR director while the company conducts a search for a successor.

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