Palacio was most recently executive president of Telefónica Colombia having joined the operator in 2006.
Telefónica said that, from January, it will unify its operations in the Latin American country, which runs under the Movistar brands and is one of the largest mobile and fixed line providers there.
Palacio has already served as CEO for Telefónica from 2006, before being appointed to his most recent role.
Pontón spent most of his career with Telefónica, having previously worked in its unit in Argentina for more than two decades. He played a role in the merger with Movicom and took over the role of CEO in 2008. He has left to take on a new challenge, Telefónica said.
“He led the commercial position of Movistar as telecoms operator, helping to launch 4G LTE services and improving TV, fixed and mobile offerings,” said the company in an official statement.
“He participated in the launch of the Movistar brand and managed the business of business, then leading mobile operator in Argentina. For Ariel a deep appreciation for his professionalism and delivery Telefónica building in Colombia. We wish him success in his future projects.”
