René Obermann, CEO of Deutsche Telekom, is planning to leave the company at the end of December next year. He’s worked at DT for 16 years and spent the last seven in charge.
Current Chief Financial Officer Timotheus Höttges will become deputy CEO next month and will take over as CEO as from January 2014. Mr Höttges has been with Deutsche Telekom since 2000 and became CFO of the DT Group in 2009.
Ulrich Lehner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Telekom, expressed regret about Mr Obermann’s decision. he said “I respect his step, even if I would have very much preferred to continue our successful cooperation. I would like to thank him for wanting to ensure a smooth transition over the course of 2013. It is very important to the Supervisory Board to define the succession and transition early on, thereby ensuring continuity. As successor, Tim Höttges has the best qualifications to continue René Obermann’s achievements. He knows the Group better than anyone. In the last few years he played a significant role in ensuring that the Group is in good financial standing. I look forward to working with him in his new role. Tim Höttges is a recognized entrepreneur and has the Supervisory Board’s complete trust.”
Deutsche Telekom is the company behind the T-Mobile brand.