Chris Gent resigned yesterday as Vodafone's life president following reports of a rift among the management of the British mobile phone group.
UK Sunday newspaper The Observer reported that the company's chairman Lord MacLaurin had tried to oust chief executive Arun Sarin at a recent board meeting, and that Gent may be forced to leave.
The newspaper said MacLaurin had sought Sarin's departure after meeting key shareholders who had lost confidence in his management of the company, but after discussions with other board members realized he could not win a vote on his dismissal. But MacLaurin yesterday denied reports of a rift, saying he fully supports Sarin.
'I want to make it clear that I and the board are totally supportive of our chief executive Arun Sarin, as he takes the company forward in changing and challenging times,' he said. 'Any other suggestion is completely untrue,' he added.
Gent denied he had used his honorary position to undermine Vodafone's management, and said he was relinquishing his position, which has no executive or advisory responsibilities, to avoid any damage to the company.
'I do not wish to be subject to a disinformation campaign that might detract from Vodafone's future prospects.' MacLaurin is due to step down in July with HSBC boss John Bond to take over.
