Michel Combes, aged 47, is the chief executive of the Company's Europe Region. He joined Vodafone in October 2008. Combes began his career at France Telecom in 1986. He became technical adviser to the Minister of Transportation in 1991 before serving as chairman and CEO of Globecast from 1995 to 1999, when he became executive vice president of Nouvelles Frontieres Group. From 2001 to 2003 he was the chief executive officer of Assystem-Brime and in 2003 he returned to France Telecom as senior vice president of group finance and chief financial Officer. From 2006 to 2008 he was chairman and chief executive of TDF Group.
Steve Pusey, also aged 47, joined Vodafone in September 2006 and is the Group chief technology officer. He is responsible for all aspects of Vodafone’s networks, IT capability, research and development and supply chain management.
Before joining Vodafone he held the positions of executive vice president and president, Nortel EMEA, having joined Nortel in 1982, gaining a wealth of international experience across both the wireline and wireless industries and in business applications and solutions. Prior to Nortel, Steve spent several years with British Telecom.
Sir John Bond, chairman of Vodafone, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Michel Combes and Steve Pusey to the Board of the Company. Their deep knowledge of the telecommunications industry and their significant international experience will be very helpful to the Board and I know all of my colleagues are looking forward to their contribution. Their appointments will help ensure that there is a good balance on the Board of both executive and non-executive directors. I am confident that Michel and Steve will be major contributors to the future of Vodafone.”