Humm told parent company Deutsche Telekom chief executive René Obermann of his intentions to return to Europe and join a rival company.
Vodafone has so far declined to comment on the speculation. It is believed Humm first told of his intentions to pursue a career away from Deutsche Telekom, where he has served since 2005, after AT&T’s proposed $39 billion acquisition of T-Mobile USA fell through.
Deutsche Telekom said in a statement he will move back to Europe to reunite with his family, who are based in Europe.
Obermann said of the departure: “Philipp Humm has given the company some important initiatives over the past years. Under his leadership the cost situation at T-Mobile USA has vastly improved and he led the company during a difficult phase regarding the planned merger with AT&T.”
Jim Alling, present COO at the company has been appointed as interim CEO, with Obermann stating the company was looking for “somebody who can convert initiatives into market successes” as a successor to Humm.
Humm’s abrupt departure came as a significant surprise in the market, considering T-Mobile USA had this week announced a major spectrum sharing agreement with Verizon.
