Sarin tightens grip on Vodafone

Vodafone is to bolster its management structure as it prepares for the full roll-out of third-generation technology, it said today.

The telecommunications giant said the changes will allow faster decision-making and will give chief executive Arun Sarin a tighter grip on the company.

Vodafone said all its main operating divisions will now report directly to Mr Sarin, while Andy Halford from US-based Verizon Wireless is to take over as finance director.

Mr Sarin said: “We are creating an organisation that is better positioned to respond to the high expectations of our customers.

“Faster execution will enable us to extend our lead within the mobile industry and deliver the benefits to our customers, our employees and our shareholders.”

Vodafone said last month that it was starting its major push into the market for 3G mobile phones with the launch of 10 handsets before Christmas.

The Newbury-based group plans to start selling the phones next month in a move that intensifies competition with rival firms such as 3.

The handsets will feature state-of-the-art technology which offers users improved quality, sound, pictures and video, as well as access to 3G games.

Today’s restructuring will help it to coordinate the rollout of 3G across all of its markets and simplify decision-making.

Andy Halford is to succeed Ken Hydon as finance director upon his retirement next July. Mr Halford, 45, worked as a regional finance director for Vodafone from 1999, before moving to Verizon Wireless in 2002.

Before that he spent seven years with East Midland Electricity, including a period as finance director.