Vodafone did not put out a statement at group level about the change, though Vodafone Turkey did issue the news – in Turkish only – about Deegan’s appointment.
A Vodafone executive, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that there was no indication that Öğüt’s departure was linked to the political situation in Turkey, which last week saw two senior executives leave Türk Telekom after being asked to give evidence about any links they may have had with the failed coup attempt in July.
“There’s no indication it’s anything other than a normal corporate move,” said the Vodafone executive, speaking about Öğüt. “It is not clear where he is going.”
Öğüt joined Vodafone Turkey as chief marketing officer in 2009, and became CEO in November 2013. According to Turkish newspaper Hurriyet, Öğüt will “assess new career opportunities” after his departure.
Deegan will start in September, before Öğüt’s official leaving date. He will be responsible to Serpil Timuray, who is CEO of Vodafone’s Africa, Middle East, Asia and Pacific business, and is himself a former CEO of Vodafone Turkey. Timuray will also chair Vodafone Turkey.
Deegan has been with Vodafone since 2007, first as head of M&A at group level, before becoming CFO of Vodafone India and then CFO of Vodafone Italy.
