T-Mobile USA’s Philipp Humm quits to join competitor
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T-Mobile USA’s Philipp Humm quits to join competitor

T-Mobile USA’s chief executive Philipp Humm has resigned from the company with early indicators suggesting he is set to join rivals Vodafone.

Humm told parent company Deutsche Telekom chief executive René Obermann of his intentions to return to Europe and join a rival company.

Vodafone has so far declined to comment on the speculation. It is believed Humm first told of his intentions to pursue a career away from Deutsche Telekom, where he has served since 2005, after AT&T’s proposed $39 billion acquisition of T-Mobile USA fell through.

 

Deutsche Telekom said in a statement he will move back to Europe to reunite with his family, who are based in Europe.

Obermann said of the departure: “Philipp Humm has given the company some important initiatives over the past years. Under his leadership the cost situation at T-Mobile USA has vastly improved and he led the company during a difficult phase regarding the planned merger with AT&T.”

Jim Alling, present COO at the company has been appointed as interim CEO, with Obermann stating the company was looking for “somebody who can convert initiatives into market successes” as a successor to Humm.

Humm’s abrupt departure came as a significant surprise in the market, considering T-Mobile USA had this week announced a major spectrum sharing agreement with Verizon.

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