Maximo Ibarra is stepping down as CEO of Dutch operator KPN at the end of September, less than two years after taking up the position. KPN said he decided for personal reasons to return to Italy with his family. A successor has not yet been named.
Ibarra joined the company in January 2018 and officially became CEO four months later. He was previously CEO of Italian operator Wind and helped lead the merger with 3 Italia. At KPN, he has shifted the focus of the company to profitable growth, streamlining its brands and relaunching the FTTH roll-out.
Ibarra said in a statement that he regretted the timing but family reasons gave him no choice in the decision. He will stay on until September to help with the transition to his successor.
KPN chairman Duco Sickinghe said the board "regrets but respects" Ibarra's decision and accepts his resignation. "The company is in good shape and is well on track to deliver on its strategy," he added.
Earlier this year Ibarra was named as a possible candidate for CEO of Sky Italia. KPN said he plans to take up another executive position in Italy.
