Verizon Communications named Ronan Dunne, the former head of Telefonica SA's U.K. business 02, as executive vice president and group president of Verizon Wireless.

Dunne, 52, will report to John Stratton, executive vice president and president of company operations, according to a statement Tuesday. He will assume the role in September.

Dunne stepped down from 02 after a plan to sell the carrier to competitor CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd was blocked by EU regulators, and Britain's decision to leave the EU roiled markets, forcing Telefonica to put its alternative plan to sell a stake in the unit on hold.

One of the longest-serving CEOs in the UK phone business, Dunne increased O2’s customers to 25 million from 18 million since he took the helm in 2008, according to a statement on the company’s website.

The industry in the UK has been turned on its head by deals like BT Group Plc's acquisition of mobile carrier EE.Dunne will be responsible for all aspects of Verizon Wireless, including marketing, network operations, customer service and digital operations.

- (Bloomberg)