Canada’s largest mobile operator Rogers has confirmed the appointment of Vodafone UK boss Guy Laurence (pictured) as its new CEO. The announcement is not a surprise and was widely speculated earlier this week.

Laurence, 51, will start his new role on Monday 2 December and is succeeding Nadir Mohamed, who announced his plan to retire earlier this year. Laurence has been at Vodafone since 2000 and has also held the position of head of Vodafone Netherlands (2005) before becoming boss of the UK business in 2008.

Laurence is known as something of a turnaround specialist, having shaken up the culture at Vodafone UK in an effort to become more competitive with nimble upstarts.

He is also experienced with media companies, a prerequisite for the job at Rogers, given its mix of wireless, cable and media assets. Before joining Vodafone he worked for MGM Studios, among other media businesses.

“Guy brings an entrepreneurial edge, a fiercely competitive spirit and a sharp focus on both operational excellence and the customer experience,” said Edward Rogers, deputy chairman and chair of the Rogers Control Trust.

Jeroen HoencampVodafone UK will replace Laurence with the company’s current enterprise director, Jeroen Hoencamp (pictured, left), who will report to regional CEO Philipp Humm.