That leaves Colao in an interesting spot. As head of Vodafone’s European division, which accounts for 80 percent of its revenue, he faces multiple dilemmas: how to raise revenue in a mature European market when voice revenues are falling and competition is growing. Colao gets high marks from analysts for his early moves, particularly cutting cost-saving deals on several fronts. Yet Sarin’s reputation is already on the mend, and he recently promised to “continue in the job.” This could be one of Europe’s most intriguing corner-office soap operas, particularly if Vodafone stumbles again in ‘07.
