Murtra revolutionizes the leadership of Telefónica

MadridWith the arrival of Marc Murtra to the presidency of Telefónica, there have also been significant changes in its leadership. This Thursday the board of directors of the company approved the dismissal of the current CEO of Telefónica, Ángel Vilá, and right-hand man of the former president José María Álvarez-Pallete. His position will be occupied by Emilio Gayo, a name that was already confirmed last week, and with whom Murtra will work together to face the strategic turnaround of the teleoperator, as the company has informed through the National Securities Market Commission (CNMV). Gayo has been working at Telefónica for twenty years, where he has held different positions until becoming president of the business of the telecom in Spain.

Murtra has already anticipated that one of his objectives is to Strengthening the telecommunications sector at European level, which puts possible mergers in the spotlight. In addition, the company wants to continue with the reorganization of the business in Latin America, which has so far triggered divestments.

Indra signings

To make the rest of the changes, starting with who should now lead the Telefónica España business, the Catalan manager has decided to sign within Indra, his home before making the leap to the telecom. Thus, for the position occupied by Emilio Gayo, the board of directors of Telefónica has appointed Borja Ochoa, until now general director of defence and security at Indra. Ochoa was also general director of Minsait, the subsidiary for which Indra has been looking for a buyer for some time. Some reports have suggested that Telefónica could enter into this equation., but Murtra cooled it off last week by assuring that this option is not on the table. The other signing at Indra is Sofía Collado, who assumes the leadership of Telefónica Tech.

Murtra, who already anticipated a review of all business areas, also revolutionizes Movistar+. From now on, Javier de Paz assumes the presidency of Telefónica's pay-TV business, replacing Sergio Oslé. De Paz, who has close ties to the PSOE and was a member of the executive between 1984 and 1993, will be accompanied by Daniel Domenjó as CEO of Movistar+.

All these changes are added to those of the board of directors approved a week ago. With the definitive landing of STC Group (it has 9.9% of the share capital), one of its directors, Olayan Alwetaid, has been given entry. Carlos Ocaña, a board member representing SEPI, the investment arm of the Spanish government and the largest shareholder in Telefónica with 10% of the share capital, has also been promoted.