Vodafone Group Plc named Italian Stefano Gastaut, chief executive office (CEO) at Vodafone Partner Markets, to run its growing Egyptian business as the company continues to expand.

Gastaut will replace Ahmed Essam who served for two years 2014 – 2016. The new appointment will be effective on Sept. 1, the company said today in a statement.

Gastaut joined Vodafone in 2004, his first steps with the company began in Italy, where he was promoted several times before becoming the CEO of Vodafone Partner Markets, which includes 38 partners in 50 countries.