Vodafone will shift the centre of its innovation and development activities to London in a move the company said brings it closer to customers in Europe, Africa and India.

The operator said the Xone R&D centre will shift from its current base in Silicon Valley where it was opened in September 2011.

The relocation follows the sale of Vodafone’s stake in Verizon Wireless, which was completed earlier this year.

The company did not overtly link the geographic shift with the Verizon Wireless sale although it did say it is matching R&D activities to where its customers are.

However, Vodafone Ventures, its capital investment arm, will keep its HQ in California.

Xone also has a new head with the appointment of Pratapa Bernard, who was formerly in charge of Vodafone’s consumer services business in emerging markets.

He succeeds Fay Arjomandi who “has decided to leave Vodafone to pursue other opportunities”.

Bernard reports to Stefano Parisse, the operator’s consumer services director.

Xone has three roles: to build and test device prototypes; develop new apps and services that fit with Vodafone’s strategy; reduce time to market for innovative technologies.

When Xone originally launched its mission was to back US start-ups with technical, financial and logistical support.

The geographic shift gives the unit a more international feel. The operator said the London-based Xone technology and marketing team “will work closely with their colleagues globally to bring new products and services to market”.