Software-defined networks, virtualisation and cloud services precipitated a management change at the top of Deutsche Telekom.

The company decided the convergence of IT and communications technology merited a new board post, covering Technology & Innovation. It will be taken on by Claudia Nemat (pictured), an existing board member.

Part of Nemat’s current brief includes Europe, which will now have a new head. An individual has been appointed but the German operator is not saying who, at least not yet.

At the request of their previous employer, Deutsche Telekom will not announce the executive’s name until next week, indicating new blood from outside the company is joining.

Tim Hoettges, CEO at Deutsche Telekom, said “I’m very pleased that Claudia Nemat will continue to drive the convergence of technology, IT and innovation at our company, a move that will make us faster and more efficient. She has already played a major role in shaping the development of the new department and is taking on a crucial task.”

The company’s centralised production in the cloud will make launching innovative services quicker. DT’s pan-European network, Pan-Net, provides services for its NatCos (national companies), although distribution of services will be the responsibility of each NatCo.

The network architecture of Pan-Net will make it possible to use a shared, standardised infrastructure throughout Europe. As a result, products and innovations can be distributed on a single platform, across national borders, the operator said.

The company also said Thorsten Langheim has taken on the post of executive vice president responsible for group corporate development, effective 1 July, 2016.

In this position, he will continue to bear responsibility for M&A, corporate strategy and Deutsche Telekom Capital Partners, which backs one of Europe’s largest technology investment funds.