Deutsche Telekom's Technology Chief Announces Departure

Deutsche Telekom's tech board member departs after 6 months. CFO will temporarily lead the division as the search for a permanent successor begins, amid key network projects.

Dr. Abdurazak Mudesir is set to leave Deutsche Telekom AG, having served for less than six months as the company's Board Member for Technology and Products. He will step down on March 31, 2026, citing a desire to pursue a new professional challenge abroad.

CFO to Assume Dual Role as Interim Measure

Mudesir originally assumed the executive board position in October 2025, following an eight-year tenure within the group. His departure after such a brief period in the top role was unexpected. From April 1, 2026, Chief Financial Officer Dr. Christian Illek will take on oversight of the technology division in addition to his existing financial duties. This move is viewed as a standard interim solution designed to ensure continuity in the near term.

The Search for a Permanent Successor

A key outstanding issue is the timeline for appointing a permanent successor. Leadership stability in the technology department is considered strategically vital, given ongoing major initiatives like the fiber-optic network expansion and mobile network optimization. While having the finance chief temporarily manage the portfolio is a pragmatic stopgap, it is not a sustainable long-term arrangement for the telecommunications giant.

The company's share price currently trades approximately 8.5% below its 52-week high, which was recorded in April 2025. Market observers suggest that the speed with which Deutsche Telekom fills this vacancy will likely influence perceptions of its operational stability in the weeks ahead.