In a significant shift within the telecommunications industry, Santiago ‘Yago’ Tenorio has departed from Vodafone after nearly three decades of service. Known for his leadership in network architecture, Tenorio has been a pivotal figure at Vodafone Group, where he played a crucial role in advancing the company’s technological capabilities, particularly in the realm of Open RAN and 5G innovations.
TelecomTV has confirmed that Tenorio is set to join Verizon as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO). This move marks a notable transition for the seasoned executive, who has been a prominent advocate for the Telecom Infra Project (TIP), serving as its chairman for the last five years. His departure from Vodafone, although not officially announced by the company, was indicated through an update on his LinkedIn profile.
Tenorio’s contributions to Vodafone included spearheading the development of a groundbreaking 5G network-in-a-box product, which he showcased during the DSP Leaders World Forum in Windsor, UK. This innovative solution reflects his commitment to enhancing network efficiency and accessibility, aligning with the growing trend of virtualization in telecommunications.
Industry insiders have expressed that Tenorio’s exit could pose challenges for Vodafone, given his extensive experience and the respect he commands within the sector. His expertise in network architecture and his vision for the future of telecommunications have been integral to Vodafone’s strategic direction. Meanwhile, Verizon stands to gain significantly from his appointment, as the operator continues to expand its technological capabilities in a competitive market.
As Verizon prepares to welcome Tenorio, the company’s staff were informed of his new role earlier this week. His leadership is expected to bolster Verizon’s initiatives in advanced network solutions and bolster its position in the evolving telecommunications landscape.
In the wake of Tenorio’s departure, Rob Soni, Vice President of Radio Access Network (RAN) Technology at AT&T, has been appointed as the new chairman of TIP, ensuring continuity in the organization’s mission to foster innovation in telecom infrastructure.
This leadership change comes at a time when the industry is witnessing rapid advancements in technology, particularly with the ongoing rollout of 5G networks and the exploration of 6G research and innovation. As telecom operators navigate these developments, the expertise of seasoned professionals like Tenorio will be critical in shaping the future of network technology.
In addition to these developments, TelecomTV is hosting an online panel discussion on October 8, featuring industry leaders from major telecom companies such as Elisa, Nokia, and Telenor. The discussion will focus on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, a pressing concern for network operators as they enhance their digital infrastructure.
As the telecommunications sector continues to evolve, the impact of leadership changes like Tenorio’s will be closely monitored by industry analysts and stakeholders alike. With his track record of innovation and strategic foresight, Tenorio’s role at Verizon is anticipated to bring about significant advancements in the operator’s technology strategy.
For those interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence and telecommunications, a new report on AI’s impact on the radio access network is now available for download. This report delves into how mobile network operator executives are considering the integration of AI tools in their daily operations, reflecting the industry’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for improved service delivery.
As the telecommunications landscape continues to shift, the focus remains on how leaders like Tenorio will influence the future of connectivity and network innovation.
