Vodafone calls on M&S boss

VODAFONE chief executive Sir Christopher Gent gave an emotional farewell at the company's annual meeting today as he stepped down with a standing ovation ringing in his ears.

The millionaire was close to tears as he spoke of his 'thrill' at leading the company in its transformation from bit-part UK firm into the world's leading international mobile phone operator.

In a swipe at one rival, he said: 'May I say how pleased I was that Orange managed to go backwards in the last quarter as a retirement gift to me. We are now market leader in terms of customers as well as revenue in the UK.'

But as the AGM descended into little more than a love-in, he lauded the prospects of his successor Arun Sarin and said he was sure the Indian-born American would take Vodafone on 'to even greater achievementsî.

Sarin will do so with Marks & Spencer chairman 'Lucky' Luc Vandevelde on his board of directors. Vodafone announced today the Belgian would take up his £70,000-a-year non-executive post in September.

Gent, hailed by chairman Lord MacLaurin for his unique ability to 'capture the imagination and support of bankers and shareholders', will hold the honorary title of life president at the company he joined 18 years ago.

Vodafone has splashed out $300bn (£188bn) on acquisitions since 55-year-old Gent took over as chief executive in 1997 and it now has 122 million customers worldwide.

Gent saved particular tribute for his directors and staff. 'To leave my executive colleagues and the team I have come to know will be the biggest wrench of all,' he said.

Plaudits overshadowed protests from the floor. Vodafone's pay policy was passed with an 84.04% majority. Abstentions came to 12.55%.