Technology >> CEO Interviews >> August 9, 1999
CHRIS GENT is the Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone AirTouch Plc
(formerly Vodafone Group Plc), and was appointed to the position in
January 1997. He also holds Directorships with some of Vodafone's
overseas ventures, including Telecell in Malta, Panafon in Greece and
Unitel SPA in Italy. Mr. Gent joined the Vodafone Group as Managing
Director of Vodafone Limited in January 1985 when the mobile phone
service was first launched and held the position until December 1996. He
was appointed a Director of the Vodafone Group Plc at the time of its
initial public offering in 1988 when it was known as Racal Telecom Plc.
The company changed its name on the total demerger from Racal
Electronics in 1991. Prior to joining Vodafone, Mr. Gent was Director of
Network Services for ICL. In this role, he was Managing Director of
Baric, a computer services company owned jointly by Barclays and ICL and
was responsible for ICL's computer bureau services worldwide. He also
held several positions at Schroder Computer Services. He began his
career as a management trainee with National Westminster Bank in 1967.
Mr. Gent has many interests including playing tennis and watching
cricket. He is a former National Chairman of the Young Conservatives
(1977-1979). At the time of leaving ICL, he was Vice President of the
Computer Services Association Council. Profile
history what is your core business and where do you see yourselves
today?
Mr. Gent: Vodafone Airtouch both had their origins
