DT officially names Obermann CEO

Germany’s Deutsche Telekom announced Monday that its Supervisory Board had named René Obermann as its new CEO, following the weekend resignation of Kai-Uwe Ricke from that position. Obermann had been CEO of DT’s T-Mobile unit.

DT Supervisory Board Chairman Klaus Zumwinkel, said in a statement, "René Obermann is a strong entrepreneurial leader with over 20 years experience in an industry that is characterized by fast technological changes and constant new challenges in the market. His career has a strong international influence, particularly through the successful internationalization of T-Mobile. Customer focus and service are of high priority to Obermann. At the same time he will continue managing costs effectively."

Obermann was largely responsible for T-Mobile’s entry into the U.S., and both Ricke and Obermann visited New York City just last month to update the investor community, analysts and media on the company’s plans for the U.S. market after T-Mobile USA finished as the lead bidder in the Advanced Wireless Services auction. Ricke said at that time that T-Mobile USA accounted for 22% of DT’s net revenue during the first half of 2006