Vodafone splits IT, networks to advance TechCo vision

Vodafone is reorganising its Group Technology leadership in a bid to overcome challenges it has faced competing with hyperscalers in the digital era.

The refresh will see Scott Petty, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Vodafone UK, step up to Group level to lead the operator’s digital and IT operations, making him a critical figure in the efforts to transform Vodafone into a cloud-first, data-driven TechCo.

A split structure will see network infrastructure overseen separately, but presumably closely aligned with digital functions. One source stressed the importance that these two operations dovetail effectively, to break through their respective legacy cultural and technical doctrines.

Alberto Ripepi, currently Vodafone’s Deputy CTO, Technology Operations Director, and CTO for the operator’s Europe Cluster of smaller regional businesses, has been identified as the new head of networks.

The creation of two new anchor roles is seen as the start of a wider and deeper reorganisation across networks and technology at Group level — and potentially also at OpCos, with Petty’s UK domain flagged for a refresh.

The split structure is evidently designed to support Vodafone’s new, cloud-underpinned and data science-enabled TechCo strategy, as well as advance the underpinning digitalisation and transformation that touches practically every area of the business. Telco Titans