14th Feb 2008 11:53
Vodafone Group Plc14 February 2008 14 February 2008 VODAFONE HIRES PIETER KNOOK TO HEAD UP NEW INTERNET SERVICES FUNCTION New organisation will accelerate delivery of the Group's Mobile Plus strategy Vodafone Group Plc today announces the creation of Vodafone Internet Serviceswhich will lead the development and delivery of Vodafone's current and futureconsumer propositions for the internet. Vodafone has appointed Pieter Knook, asenior vice president of Microsoft, to the newly formed role of Director ofInternet Services. Vodafone Internet Services will focus on the provision and delivery ofdistinctive consumer web services such as IP communications, mobile internetaccess and selected content categories, through mobile devices. Pieter Knook will be responsible for delivering new revenue growtharound internet, content and advertising with a focus on differentiatingVodafone's services by creating rich and distinctive experiences for customers. Knook, 49, joins Vodafone on 10 March, following 17 years with Microsoft where,as one of the most senior executives in the company, he spent the last 5 yearsas Senior Vice President running Microsoft's Mobile business, includingstrategy, product development, marketing and sales. During his time withMicrosoft, Pieter led a wide range of programmes across seven businesses. Hewill report to Frank Rovekamp, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Vodafone Group. "Leading Vodafone Internet Services calls for a world class leader ofconsiderable stature and experience." said Rovekamp. "We are delighted thatPieter is joining us to help transform the customer experience through themobile internet, meet growing customer demand for web servicesaccessed from mobile devices and drive revenues within our Mobile Plus strategy.Pieter has an impressive track record across technical, sales, marketing andbusiness management disciplines covering the US, Asia and Europe." "I am very excited to join Vodafone Group," said Pieter Knook. "I look forwardto serving Vodafone's customers with innovative internet based services, as wellas bringing new software and services expertise to a company that is renownedfor its worldwide customer reach, mobility offerings and its focus on highquality execution." Vodafone's Mobile Plus strategy focuses on the company's commitment to addressfixed line revenue opportunities, develop integrated mobile and PC offerings andcreate advertising revenue streams. - ends- For Further Information Vodafone Group Media Relations+44 1635 [email protected] Note to Editors Pieter Knook is an Electrical Sciences graduate of Trinity Hall Cambridge andspent the early part of his career in systems integration, before joiningMicrosoft in 1990. Pieter is married with 2 children. High Resolution Images available with this Press Release from www.vodafone.com About Vodafone Vodafone is the world's leading international mobile communications group withoperations in 25 countries across five continents and over 252 millionproportionate customers at 31st December 2007, as well as 40 partner networks.For further information, please visit www.vodafone.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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