Virgin Media-O2 merger executive line-up unveiled

The line-up has been unveiled as the CMA conducts its regulatory review ahead of expected merger

The proposed executive line-up from the Virgin Media and O2 merger has been announced, with Virgin Media chief executive Lutz Schu?ler named as CEO.

It comes as the £31 million merger was provisionally cleared by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) earlier this month.

The joint 50-50 venture will combine O2’s 34 million mobile customers and Virgin Media’s 5.3 million broadband, pay-TV and mobile users.

It was given the provisional clearance after the CMA deemed that the merger was “unlikely to lead to any substantial lessening of competition”.

Schu?ler said in a statement: “Today’s announcement marks a big step forward on our journey to create the UK’s National Connectivity Champion.

“With two high-performing teams already in place, these decisions were never going to be easy, but we’ve been through a rigorous process and have worked hard to create a balanced team with a blend of leaders from both companies.”

Separate for now

The move remains subject to the CMA’s regulatory review, with Liberty Global-owned Virgin Media and Telefonica-owned O2 acting as separate companies until the deal is complete.

As part of the merger plans, Jo Bertram has been appointed as MD for business and wholesale and Patricia Cobian will be chief financial officer, with Adrian Di Meo as chief information officer.

Jeff Dodds is set to be chief operating officer for TV, broadband and FMC, with Rob Evans named as the MD for fixed network expansion, Nicola Green as chief communications and corporate affairs officer, and Enrique Medina Malo as general counsel and chief regulatory officer.

Kay Schwabedal has been named as chief digital officer, Gareth Turpin as chief commercial officer for mobile, Philipp Wohland as chief people and transformation officer, and Jeanie York as chief technology officer.