- Telefónica has appointed Emilio Gayo as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), succeeding Ángel Vilá.
- Gayo, who joined Telefónica in 2004 and has led its Spanish operations since 2018, will now oversee the company’s operations across Spain, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Latin America.
What happened: Emilio Gayo as new chief operating officer at Telefónica
Telefonica has announced the appointment of Emilio Gayo as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately. Gayo, who has been with the company since 2004, previously served as the CEO of Telefónica Spain since 2018. In his new role, he will oversee operations in key markets, including Spain, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Latin America, as well as various business units such as B2B, Telefónica Tech, Telefónica Infra, and gCTIO.
This leadership change is part of a broader organizational restructuring following the appointment of Marc Murtra as Executive Chairman in January 2025.
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Why this is important
The appointment of Emilio Gayo as COO signifies Telefónica’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team and streamlining operations across its global markets. Gayo’s extensive experience within the company, particularly his tenure leading the Spanish business, positions him well to drive operational efficiency and strategic growth initiatives. This move is expected to enhance coordination among various regional operations and business units, fostering innovation and competitiveness in the rapidly evolving telecommunications industry.
