Ronan Dunne set to assume EVP position at Verizon Wireless in September, following departure from O2 UK last month
When Ronan Dunne resigned from his job as CEO of O2 two weeks ago, his reasons for doing so were unclear. Now, Verizon Communications has announced that Dunne will become group president of Verizon Wireless starting next month.
The telecom giant said Dunne will be responsible for all aspects of Verizon Wireless’ operations, including marketing, wireless, network operations, digital operations and customer care. Customer care was a top priority for Dunne at O2. At Verizon he will report to John Stratton, Verizon’s EVP and president of operations.
Dunne was CEO of O2 for eight years. O2 is owned by Telefónica, and Dunne was part of Telefónica’s executive committee. According to Verizon, his leadership at O2 helped to make that carrier “the most successful wireless operation in the U.K. and the most efficient within the Telefónica Group.”
Verizon’s current EVP for wireless operations, David Small, will take charge of the company’s wireline business as head of Verizon’s global wireline network operations. Effective immediately, Small replaces Bob Mudge, who has a new assignment at Verizon.
Stratton has appointed Mudge to lead two fiber-related initiatives for Verizon. Mudge will manage the integration of XO Communications, which Verizon agreed to purchase this year for $1.8 billion, as well as Verizon’s $300 million fiber buildout in Boston, Massachusetts.
“Bob is the most capable leader to stand up these two strategic, network-centric projects,” said Stratton in a statement.
Fiber will also be an important part of David Small’s new job. His responsibility for wireline networks will include the development and implementation of One Fiber, which Verizon said will leverage its wireline and wireless fiber assets. When the XO purchase closes, those network assets and the Boston project will become part of Verizon’s wireline network operations.
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