Deutsche Telekom has announced that Dr. Abdurazak (Abdu) Mudesir, Member of the Board of Management for Product and Technology, will step down from his role effective March 31, 2026, to pursue a new professional opportunity abroad. The decision was made at his own request and approved by the company’s Supervisory Board through a mutual agreement.
The company expressed its appreciation for Mudesir’s contributions over the past eight years, highlighting his role in advancing its technology strategy and innovation agenda. His departure marks a leadership transition at a critical time as the telecom giant continues to invest in next-generation networks and digital transformation.
In the interim, Christian Illek, currently Chief Financial Officer, will assume responsibility for the Product and Technology division in addition to his existing duties. This temporary arrangement is aimed at ensuring operational continuity while the company searches for a permanent successor. Deutsche Telekom emphasized that its strategic direction remains unchanged, with ongoing execution of priorities across product development and technology infrastructure.
Illek brings extensive experience in the telecommunications sector, with strong overlap between financial and technical domains, particularly in procurement. His current involvement in technology-related initiatives positions him to manage the transition effectively.
Abdu Mudesir’s Role in Shaping Deutsche Telekom’s Technology Strategy
During his tenure, Abdu Mudesir played a pivotal role in steering Deutsche Telekom’s technology evolution. Since joining the company in 2018, he held several leadership positions, most recently serving in a dual capacity as Managing Director Technology at Telekom Deutschland GmbH and Group Chief Technology Officer.
Mudesir was instrumental in advancing key initiatives, including the expansion of mobile and fiber-optic networks, as well as driving innovation in Open RAN, cloud infrastructure, and AI-powered network operations. His work contributed to strengthening Deutsche Telekom’s position in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven telecom landscape.
With over 15 years of experience in the technology sector, Mudesir began his career at Altran Technologies before moving to Huawei in 2012. He holds a doctorate in computer science and electrical engineering from the International University Bremen and completed an Executive MBA at Stanford University.