KPN has been forced to search for a new CEO. Maximo Ibarra, who joined the Dutch operator early last year, is leaving at the end of September for 'personal reasons'. KPN's strong focus on networks and a possible takeover of the company mean his successor will need experience both in technology and finance.
Ibarra laid out a good strategy for KPN for the next three years. The drop in KPN's share price after the news of his departure suggests investors supported Ibarra's efforts. The lack of growth led to a shift in focus to improving profits. Another important contribution was the relaunch of KPN's fibre roll-out, after several years of stagnation. Ibartra's strategy could be considered 'no nonsense'. The strong focus on FTTH and 5G and streamlined organisation with a single brand underlined that it's all about connectivity. KPN chose networks over services.
It will be up to the supervisory board to choose a new CEO, and this is likely again to be an outsider. An affinity with networks, rather than marketing, will be an important quality. If KPN also moves to a new phase as part of a larger group, a financial background will be key.
