More damaging still are reports of tactless comments by Chris Gent, Vodafone's boss, over the Christmas break.

ECONOMIST: Vodafone and Mannesmann

Vodafone's Chris Gent will head up the company, while, contrary to expectations, Klaus Esser will stay with the merged company.

BBC: Vodafone seals Mannesmann merger

We've been ahead of the pack before in choosing Chris Gent of Vodafone and Jean-Martin Folz of Peugeot as top executives of the year.

FORBES: Sidelines