René Obermann: Deutsche Telekom's Former CEO

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René Obermann is a German businessman who served as the CEO of Deutsche Telekom from 2006 to 2014. He played a key role in transforming the company's operations and strategy during his tenure.

Obermann joined Deutsche Telekom in 1998 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the company's Chief Operating Officer in 2003. His experience and expertise helped him navigate the company's complex operations.

As CEO, Obermann oversaw significant changes at Deutsche Telekom, including the acquisition of T-Mobile USA in 2001. This move helped the company expand its global presence and increase its market share.

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René Obermann's Career

René Obermann founded his own company ABC Telekom in 1986, which later merged with Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. in 1991. He was Managing Partner from 1992 to 1993 and Chief Executive Officer from 1993 to 1998.

Obermann had a successful stint at Deutsche Telekom Group, first as a Member of the Executive Board at T-Mobile Deutschland GmbH. He then became CEO of T-Mobile Deutschland from March 2000 to March 2002, and later CEO Europe at T-Mobile International AG in June 2001.

Obermann's leadership at Deutsche Telekom AG was marked by several notable achievements, including obtaining an exclusive partnership with Apple Inc. for the original iPhone in Germany and other European countries in late 2007.

Career

Credit: youtube.com, Rene Obermann - What's beyond digital?

René Obermann founded his own company ABC Telekom in 1986, which later merged with Hutchison Whampoa Ltd.

Obermann gave up studying after 2 years due to the successful development of ABC. He was Managing Partner from 1992 to 1993 and Chief Executive Officer from 1993 to 1998.

In 1998, Obermann joined the Deutsche Telekom Group, starting at T-Mobile Deutschland GmbH as a Member of the Executive Board.

He became CEO of T-Mobile Deutschland from March 2000 to March 2002 and then CEO Europe at T-Mobile International AG in June 2001.

Obermann took over as Board Member of Deutsche Telekom AG in November 2002 and became CEO of the group's mobile division, T-Mobile International AG.

After Kai-Uwe Ricke resigned in 2006, Obermann became the CEO of Deutsche Telekom AG and led the company to several successes, including an exclusive partnership with Apple Inc. for the original iPhone.

Obermann also took over responsibility for innovation in the group in 2012.

Credit: youtube.com, Decoding Digital Transformation: René Obermann on Driving Change

From February 2007 to November 2013, Obermann was Vice President of Germany's digital association BITKOM.

In December 2013, Obermann left Deutsche Telekom and became CEO of the Dutch cable and internet provider, Ziggo.

Obermann left Ziggo in 2014 after the company was taken over by Liberty Global.

In February 2015, Obermann became Partner and Managing Director at Warburg Pincus International LLC and a managing director of Warburg Pincus Deutschland GmbH.

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Obermann

René Obermann is a seasoned executive with a storied career that spans multiple industries. He was born in 1963 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

After completing his education, Obermann founded ABC Telekom in 1986, which he later sold to Hutchison Whampoa. He then joined Deutsche Telekom Group in 1998, rising through the ranks to become CEO from 2006 to 2013.

Obermann's tenure at Deutsche Telekom was marked by several notable achievements, including obtaining an exclusive partnership with Apple Inc. for the iPhone in Germany and other European countries. He also led the company to market leadership in Germany and oversaw the merger of Orange UK and T-Mobile UK to create Everything Everywhere.

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In addition to his work at Deutsche Telekom, Obermann has also held leadership roles at other companies, including Ziggo, where he served as CEO from 2013 to 2014, and Warburg Pincus, where he is currently Partner and Managing Director.

Here are some of the key positions held by Obermann throughout his career:

  • Founder and Managing Partner of ABC Telekom (1986-1991)
  • Managing Partner of Hutchison Mobilfunk GmbH (1991-1998)
  • CEO of Deutsche Telekom AG (2006-2013)
  • CEO of Ziggo (2013-2014)
  • Partner and Managing Director at Warburg Pincus (2015-present)

Obermann has also been recognized for his contributions to the industry, including being awarded the rank of Officer of the French Legion of Honour in 2013.

Corporate Boards and Roles

René Obermann has held various corporate board roles throughout his career. He has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Airbus SE since 2020.

Obermann's experience on corporate boards is extensive, and he has served on numerous boards across various industries. He was a Member of the Supervisory Board at E.ON SE from 2011 to 2016.

Here is a list of some of the notable corporate boards he has been a part of:

  • Chairman of the Board of Directors at Airbus SE (since 2020)
  • Non-Executive Member of the Board of Directors at Inmarsat
  • Chairman of the Supervisory Board at IONOS Internet Holding SE (since 2017)
  • Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Strato AG (since 2017)
  • Member of the Board of Directors at Telenor Group (2018–2019)
  • Member of the Supervisory Board at Allianz Deutschland AG (2017–2020)
  • Member of the Supervisory Board at inexio Beteiligungs GmbH & Co. KGaA (2017–2020)
  • Member of the Editorial Board at Die Zeit (2017–2019)
  • Member of the Supervisory Board at CompuGroup Medical SE (2015–2017)
  • Member of the Supervisory Board at Spotify Technology SA (2014–2016)
  • Member of the Supervisory Board at ThyssenKrupp AG (2013–2018)

René Obermann in the News

Credit: youtube.com, I am very bullish on India: René Obermann, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Airbus

René Obermann is known for speaking clearly and directly to his shareholders. He's often praised for being the most straightforward Dax-Vorstand.

Rene Obermann's educational background is interesting - he actually dropped out of university, but has now been invited to return as a guest professor.

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Deutsche Telekom Interview

René Obermann in Deutsche Telekom was a significant figure, serving as the CEO from 2006 to 2014.

He oversaw a period of significant growth and expansion for the company, increasing its revenue from €44 billion to €59 billion during his tenure.

Obermann was known for his efforts to modernize and digitize Deutsche Telekom, investing heavily in new technologies and infrastructure.

Under his leadership, the company's mobile customer base grew from 60 million to over 130 million.

Deutsche Telekom's stock price also surged during Obermann's time as CEO, more than doubling from €10 to over €22 per share.

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Telekom CEO Bonus Anger Employees

René Obermann received a massive bonus despite the company's profit decline, which has understandably sparked outrage among Telekom employees.

Credit: youtube.com, Deutsche Telekom's Obermann Sees `Conservative' Outlook: Video

The bonus is worth millions, according to reports. Employees have been expressing their discontent in the company's internal forum.

Obermann's decision to prioritize cost-cutting and increased profit margins might be a necessary step, given the company's limited growth prospects.

Employees are likely feeling frustrated by the CEO's bonus, especially in a time when the company is struggling with significant losses due to its US business.

The huge write-down on the US business has cost Telekom billions, making it a major concern for the company.

René Obermann's Leadership

René Obermann's leadership style is refreshingly straightforward. He's known for speaking clearly and concisely to his shareholders, unlike some other top managers who tend to confuse with jargon.

René Obermann's ability to communicate effectively has earned him recognition as the most understandable Dax-Vorstand. This is a skill that's hard to find in today's corporate world.

René Obermann's leadership has also been marked by significant decisions that have shaped the future of Telekom. He's closed many construction sites, which is a testament to his ability to prioritize and make tough decisions.

Telekom-Chef: Viele Baustellen Geschlossen

Credit: youtube.com, Interview René Obermann and Tim Höttges – Full Version

René Obermann has faced criticism for his plans to limit the Telekom's growth, but he has made important decisions for the company's future.

He has already closed many construction sites, which is a significant step forward for the company.

At his last shareholders' meeting, he had to listen to criticism about his plans, but he also announced a mini-comeback for the Telekom.

René Obermann is known for speaking clearly and directly to his shareholders, unlike other Dax CEOs who tend to confuse their audience with complicated language.

His unique ability to communicate effectively has earned him the title of the most understandable Dax CEO.

Despite not completing his studies, René Obermann has now been invited to return to the university as a guest professor.

He has also been advocating for a new study program, one that would lead to a degree, and has been promoting the Telekom as a great employer.

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Telekom-Chef Verteidigt Datenbremse

René Obermann's leadership has been under scrutiny, but he's taken a firm stance on the planned data throttling. He's assured that the changes will only affect very few customers.

Credit: youtube.com, obermann

The Deutsche Telekom's CEO has been facing criticism for his plans, but he's defended them by saying that the data throttling will only impact a small minority. He's tried to downplay the issue, but it's clear that it's a contentious topic.

Obermann's leadership has been marked by significant decisions, including the closure of several construction sites. This move has been seen as a way to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

One of the most significant challenges facing Obermann has been the company's struggling business in Europe and the US. This has led to a decline in revenue, making it harder for the company to compete.

Despite these challenges, Obermann has been working to position the company for future success. He's made key decisions that will shape the company's future, including a potential mini-comeback.

Obermann's leadership has also been marked by a focus on deregulation. He's joined forces with other industry leaders to call for the abolition of onerous regulations. This move is seen as a way to boost economic growth and competitiveness.

In a surprise move, Obermann has announced that he'll be leaving the Deutsche Telekom to join the Dutch cable provider Ziggo. This move has raised eyebrows, but it's clear that he's looking for new challenges.

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Tasha Schumm

Junior Writer

Tasha Schumm is a skilled writer with a passion for simplifying complex topics. With a focus on corporate taxation, business taxes, and related subjects, Tasha has established herself as a knowledgeable and engaging voice in the industry. Her articles cover a range of topics, from in-depth explanations of corporate taxation in the United States to informative lists and definitions of key business terms.

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