Vittorio Colao

Former Italian Minister for Innovation, Digital Transition and Space and Former Chief Executive of Vodafone Group Plc

Independent Director since: 2022

Committees:
Corporate Governance and Policy
Finance

 

Key skills and experience:

  • Leadership: Built and transformed Vodafone Group Plc through organic growth, acquisitions and sales into one of the world's largest communications companies with mobile operations in 24 countries and partnerships in over 40 more countries.
  • Consumer/B2B/retail: Grew Vodafone to serve, directly and through joint ventures, approximately 640 million mobile customers, 21 million broadband customers and 14 million TV customers. Additional consumer experience with RCS MediaGroup, a leading Italian publishing company.
  • Technology: Led Vodafone in the rapid and continuous development of mobile and other communications technology, with intensive capital spending to enhance high speed mobile networks, provide broadband and enterprise services, enhance the secure exchange of data, and develop 5G and the internet of things.
  • Telecommunications: Brings a valuable global perspective on, and extensive operational experience with, the rapidly changing telecommunications industry. Led Italy's efforts to roll out broadband and 5G connectivity across the country as Italian Minister for Innovation, Digital Transition and Space. Provides unique insight into Verizon Wireless' business as a result of his five year tenure on the Board of Representatives when Verizon Wireless was still a joint venture between Vodafone and Verizon.

 

Career highlights:

  • Italian Minister for Innovation, Digital Transition and Space (2021-October 2022)
  • Vodafone Group Plc, a global mobile communications company
    • Chief Executive (2008-2018)
    • Director (2006-2018)
    • Other executive positions, including Regional Chief Executive Officer for Southern Europe, Middle East and Africa (1999-2004)
  • Member, Verizon Wireless Board of Representatives (2008- 2013)
  • Senior Advisor, Vice Chairman EMEA, General Atlantic (2019-2021; January 2023-present)

 

Other public company boards:

Unilever PLC and Unilever N.V. (2015-2021)

 

Meet Verizon’s board members.