WIND Mobile appoints Pietro Cordova as Chief Operating Officer; Gianluca Corti to take on new leadership role at Wind Telecomunicazioni

TORONTO, July 27, 2012 /CNW/ - WIND Mobile today announced exciting changes to its leadership team. Pietro Cordova, a veteran of Wind Telecomunicazioni SpA, is about to be named the company's new Chief Operating Officer. Cordova succeeds Gianluca Corti, who after leading WIND Mobile through a period of unprecedented growth, will assume responsibility for the consumer business unit of Wind Telecomunicazioni. The strategic transition will ensure that both companies are well-positioned for success within the VimpelCom Ltd. family.

Cordova brings a great deal of experience to the role of COO, as well as a keen understanding of the Canadian market, and will help ensure continued momentum in the Canadian marketplace. Before joining WIND in 2005, Cordova held senior leadership roles with the Atlantia Group and Telecom Italia. Cordova also understands the nuances of the Canadian market, having lived in Toronto from 1991 until 1998 while working in major financial institutions.

Cordova will continue to focus on the same successful strategy that has seen WIND Mobile move closer to becoming Canada's fourth-largest national wireless carrier, with current population coverage of more than 13.1 million people. That strategy includes focusing on postpaid wireless customers, ensuring the highest-levels of network quality, and delivering industry-leading customer care. During Corti's time as COO, WIND Mobile also upgraded to a HSPA+ network and grew its distribution network, ending 2011 with 211 WIND Mobile-branded locations and 453 points of sale.

"This is a great day for WIND Mobile, VimpelCom, and for Pietro and Gianluca. Pietro brings a wealth of experience, accomplishments and enthusiasm to the role of Chief Operating Officer, and we couldn't be happier that he is here to help fulfill our goal of becoming Canada's fourth national wireless carrier," said Tony Lacavera, Chairman and CEO, WIND Mobile. "Given his impressive list of accomplishments during his time as COO, I know Gianluca will be a tremendous asset to the $5.5 billion dollar fixed and mobile consumer business at Wind Telecomunicazioni. In the coming weeks we'll work together to ensure a smooth and seamless transition process."

About WIND Mobile
WIND Mobile provides voice, text and data services to Canadians on a next-generation wireless network and is committed to offering a level of wireless service presently not available in Canada. WIND is built on actual conversations that are happening with Canadians who are passionate about wireless and creating a better mobile offering nationally. For more information about WIND Mobile, please visit www.WINDmobile.ca.

SOURCE: WIND Mobile

Nisha Amin
Senior Manager, Media & PR, WIND Mobile
647.700.5071