(Alliance News) - The head of telecommunications provider Vodafone Germany, Philipp Rogge, has announced plans to leave the company at the end of the month in a surprise move after less than two years at the helm.

Rogge, a 54-year-old Belgian, will be replaced after March 31 by Marcel de Groot, a current Vodafone Germany board member responsible for private customers, the company announced on Friday.

"We will continue to do our homework" and "switch to attack," said de Groot after his announcement as Vodafone Germany's next chief executive.

Rogge, the son of the late former International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge, took over the top post at Vodafone Germany in July 2022. He had previously worked for Microsoft Corp.

Vodafone, a subsidiary of the UK-based Vodafone Group PLC, is one of three major cellular network operators in Germany, alongside Deutsche Telekom AG and O2 Telefonica.

Rogge arrived as Vodafone's business in Germany was struggling, losing market share to its two leading competitors.

Rogge tried to focus the company on improving network performance and reducing customer complaints. Price increases in the fixed network led to a loss of customers but an increase in revenue.

In the mobile business, Vodafone has recorded customer growth again in recent quarters - but the competition has made much stronger gains, meaning that Vodafone's market share continues to fall.

Vodafone shares rose 4.2% to 68.89 pence each on Friday morning in London.

source: dpa