Mark Rushworth, Vodafone New Zealand’s chief marketing officer, has resigned after returning to work after the holidays with what Vodafone’s communications manager Paul Brislen called “a luxurious matt” on his face, confirming fears that Christmas beard growth (and also having to wear shoes again) is inextricably linked with laziness.
Rushworth was unavailable for comment today, but only because Brislen says he was in a planning session for the year ahead with the management and was probably getting on the lash afterwards.
Here’s the email that was sent to staff about the resignation by Vodafone’s chief executive Russell Stanners, who will take up the marketing slack when Rushworth leaves at the end of the week. And he will be leaving on very good terms, Brislen says.
I am sad to have to announce that after 3 years of working with Vodafone, Mark Rushworth will be leaving the business. Mark joined us with ihug and brought with him not only his enthusiasm and fresh thinking but some well needed fixed and broadband expertise. Mark has played a significant part, both as CEO ihug and also as Marketing Director, in building our total telecommunications strategy and delivering growth from our investment in ihug over the past three years.
Mark has been a key leader of our business and I would like to thank him for his dedication, as well as the huge contribution he has made to my Executive team. I know he is planning to take a well-deserved summer break and enjoy the sunshine, sand and surf before deciding what’s next.
For our Marketing organisation I will stand in as interim leader while I go about the business of finding a new Director. As you know, I am passionate about our customers and the services we provide to them so I am keenly aware of the need to provide strong leadership in Marketing over the transition and hence why I want to be personally involved.
Please join me in thanking Mark for his enormous contribution to the success of our business and wishing him all the very best for the future.
