Affairs to develop and lead the company's institutional relations strategy in the European Union.

Gregory will work alongside Telefónica's European team based in Brussels, helping to drive the company's long-term commitment to the ongoing success of the EU. In this newly created role he will report to Richard Poston, Director of Corporate Affairs for Telefónica Europe.

Matthew Key, Chairman and CEO of Telefónica Europe, said: "Douglas Gregory's appointment reinforces our obligation as an industry leader to help progress economic and social development in the broader European community. Douglas will be representing Telefónica in the wider debates affecting citizens, businesses and the communities in which we operate."

Douglas Gregory said: "I'm delighted to be joining a world-class team at a time of enormous opportunities for Europe. Telefónica is one of the world's largest telecommunications companies, but at our core we remain a European company committed to tackling a broad range of issues from climate change to new innovations."

A Canadian national, Gregory joins Telefónica after more than two decades at IBM where his most recent role was Vice President, Governmental Programs for IBM Europe, Middle East and Africa based in Brussels. Gregory, 52, previously held advisory roles within the Government of Canada.


About Telefónica

Telefónica is one of the world's largest telecommunications operators by market capitalisation. Its activities are centred mainly on the fixed and mobile telephony businesses, while its broadband business is the key growth driver underpinning both. It operates in 25 countries and has a global customer base of 264 million. Telefónica's growth strategy is focused on the markets in which it has a strong foothold: Spain, Europe and Latin America. Telefónica is a 100% private sector company.

About Telefónica Europe

Telefónica Europe is a business division of Telefónica comprising mobile, fixed and DSL operations in the UK, Ireland, Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovakia - all of which use 'O2' as their consumer brand. Telefónica Europe also has 50% ownership of the UK and Irish Tesco Mobile and German Tchibo Mobilfunk joint venture businesses. In addition, the group includes the Isle of Man integrated fixed/mobile operator, Manx Telecom. Telefónica Europe is headquartered in Slough, UK, and has more than 47 million mobile and fixed customers.


Information Source:    Telefónica Europe

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