Julian Horn-Smith

Sir Julian Horn-Smith is a British businessman who is a member of the boards of a number of international corporations. He was formally Deputy Chief Executive of Vodafone Group Plc until July 2006.

Sir Julian joined Vodafone at its foundation in 1984 and has held a number of senior posts including Group Chief Operating Officer, Managing Director Vodafone International and Deputy Group CEO. Considered a principal architect in the development of Vodafone’s Global Strategy, during his career with the company he was closely involved in many of Vodafone's major international transactions, including the formation of Vodafone AirTouch in 1999. This merger (of the UK and U.S.businesses) created one of the top 25 companies in the world by market capitalisation. The subsequent acquisition of Mannesmann in 2000, almost doubled the size of the Vodafone Group to making it the world's largest mobile telecommunications company and the largest FTSE100 quoted stock. In 1996 he was appointed to the Vodafone Group Plc Board and in 2005 became Deputy Chief Executive. Sir Julian was instrumental in the foundation of many of Vodafone's large subsidiary businesses today (such as those in Turkey,Ireland, Netherlands, South Africa, Egypt and several others in Europe, Africa and Asia).

Early Life, Education and Honours

Sir Julian was born in London and attended Kings Norton Grammar School in Birmingham. He read Economics (University of London (B.Sc (Econ) 1970) and Business Administration with Finance and Marketing [M.Sc. University of Bath 1979]. In 2007 Sir Julian received an honorary doctorate (Doctor of Laws -DL) from the University of Bath where he is now pro-chancellor and a member of the University Council.

In 2004 he received a knighthood in the Queen's Birthday Honours for his services to international telecommunications.

Current Business Activities

In 2006 Sir Julian was appointed to the board of Digicel Group. Digicel operate wireless networks in the Caribbean, Pacific and Central American regions and are the leading operator in the Caribbean.

Sir Julian is the Co-Chairman of the Turkish British Business Council and a strong supporter of Turkish/British relations and a founder and Co-Chairman (with Jack Straw ) of the TATLIDIL conference that takes place annually between the UK and Turkey. In 2010, Sir Julian became a Pro Chancellor of Bath University where he also chairs the School of Management’s Advisory Board.

Sir Julian is a member of the Board of Lloyds Banking Group where he chaired the Nomination Committee that selected Sir Win Bischoff, the current Chairman. Following the take-over of HBOS, Lloyds are today the UK’s largest retail bank. [1]

Sir Julian has been a Senior Advisor at UBS Investment Bank since 2007 specializing in the Telecom and Media Group, advising several major telecommunication companies. Since 2009, he has also been a Senior Advisor at CVC, the UK private equity group, based in London where he also specialises in Media and Telecoms.

He is a director of Martin Dawes Systems Ltd.

In 2009 he joined the board of e-Mobile in Japan who recently announced a merger with e-Access. In 2006 he became a member of Altimo's independent International Advisory board ('AIA'): an multi-national group of distinguished and independent individuals who meet bi-annually advising on Corporate Governance, Social Responsibility and International Policy. The AIA's membership is independent, non-executive and has no statutory role within the Altimo group.

In 2009, Sir Julian joined the Board of De La Rue plc. In 2010 Sir Julian was appointed Chairman of Vallar plc who recently announced a major transaction (in November 2010) with Bumi, a coal mining company in Indonesia.

In March 2011, Acer Group of Taiwan,one of the world's largest computer companies, nominated Sir Julian as an independent board director.

Sir Julian is a trustee of Hope for Tomorrow (www.hopefortomorrow.org.uk), a charity which provides mobile chemotherapy treatment.

Personal life

Sir Julian has 4 sons.

References

• http://www.digicelgroup.com/en/about/board-of-directors/sir-julian-horn-smith
• http://www.cvc.com/Content/EN/MediaCentre/PressRelease.aspx?PRID=161