Mobile phone pioneer calls it a day

One of the pioneers of mobile telephony in Malta, Joe Grioli, will be retiring as Vodafone Malta's chief executive officer.

Vodafone said yesterday he will be succeeded by Vodafone Group director of voice and text propositions Hatem Dowidar as of August 1.

Mr Grioli has been Vodafone Malta's CEO since its formation as Telecell in 1990.

In recognition of his contribution to the company over the 15 years he has been appointed honorary president of the company he helped to form, Vodafone said. He will also be joining the board of the Vodafone Malta Foundation.

Mr Grioli said: "I am extremely proud of Vodafone Malta's achievements over the past 15 years of operation... these achievements have included the rollout of the digital GSM 2G network in 1997 followed shortly after by the launch of the pre-paid service which underpinned the explosive growth of mobile phones in Malta. The company now has roaming agreements with 280 partners in 159 countries and recently launched the international gateway which provides high quality and competitive international voice and IP services.

"I am also proud of our contribution to the country outside our direct interests. Over Lm250,000 has been contributed or committed to local charitable causes through the Vodafone Malta Foundation in the last two years."

Commenting on his decision to step down, Mr Grioli said: "Throughout the 15 years of my leadership we have seen many challenges and my whole team and I have come a long way. I leave behind an organisation which is financially sound, with a strong customer base of over 170,000 and a high calibre management team but, most importantly, a highly motivated group of individuals who are all proud to work for Vodafone...

"The next stage in the mobile revolution will be the increase in data services, the launch of 3G and an increasing focus on content services. I feel I have done enough and it is time to enjoy my private life with my family!"

Vodafone Group CEO, Arun Sarin, paid tribute to Mr Grioli: "The Group's commitment to our business in Malta can be seen from the Lm43 million we have invested in the business and our intended move into 3G. Our real value to customers comes through our people and Joe Grioli's commitment has been a role model for our younger managers across the world".

Mr Dowidar is presently based in Vodafone Group's headquarters in Newbury, England. Vodafone Malta said he brings with him to Malta considerable experience in the mobile market. After graduating with a BSc in engineering, an MBA set Mr Dowidar on a career in marketing with Procter & Gamble before joining Vodafone.

"I am very much looking forward to continuing the great successes and achievements of Vodafone Malta in serving our customers and supporting Malta. It is a privilege to take over such a role but also a challenge to follow such a success story," he said.