Dutch operator KPN announced the appointment of Maximo Ibarra, the former CEO of Italian operator Wind, as its new CEO. Ibarra (48) will replace Eelco Blok, who will step after the next AGM in April 2018 after eight years heading KPN and 12 years on the board.
Ibarra served as CEO of Wind from 2012-16 and helped organise the merger of Wind with 3 Italia. He led the merged company since the start of this year. In June it was announced that he would step down and leave the company for other opportunities. He started his career at Telecom Italia Mobile and also worked several years at Vodafone Italia, DHL Italy, Fiat Auto and Benetton.
The appointment still requires an opinion from KPN's works council. Ibarra's remuneration package will include a base salary of EUR 935,000 per year and KPN’s standard short- and long-term incentive plans. He will additionally receive a one-off payment of EUR 200,000 in cash and EUR 200,000 in shares for serving as an advisor from 15 January 2018 to ensure a smooth transition. An EGM will be held for shareholders to vote on the arrangement.
