Margherita Della Valle is to take over as Chief Financial Officer for the Vodafone Group's European Region from 1 April 2007.

Della Valle joined the Group in 1994 as Head of Marketing Analysis and Research, before becoming Marketing Manager Customer Base and Analysis, within the Consumer Marketing Division, in January 1999.

In October 1999, she was appointed Chief Controller within the Administration, Finance and Control Department, with responsibility for coordinating the budgeting process, evaluating the economic impact of commercial initiatives and investments, and drawing up the long-term Business Plan.

On 12 July 2004 Della Valle was appointed Chief Financial Officer and joined the Board of Vodafone Italia.

As part of her role at European level, Margherita Della Valle will continue to be a member of Vodafone Italia's Board and will serve on the Supervisory Boards of Vodafone Germany and Vodafone Group Services.

After graduating in Economic and Social Affairs from the Bocconi University in Milan, Della Valle joined Ferruzzi-Montedison in 1990 to work in Strategy and Planning.