It is a difficult decision to step down, says Vodafone CEO Vittorio Colao

Vodafone Group CEO Vittorio Colao today said he will step down from the post by September end and it was a "difficult decision" to make after being at the helm of affairs for about a decade.

Colao was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the UK-based group in July 2008-- almost a year after Vodafone brand was launched in India.

He constantly kept close watch on India business from his global position.

"I will step down as CEO... It is a difficult decision to step down as CEO from a company where you have been for 10 years," Colao said.

In a statement, Vodafone said: "Effective 1 October 2018, Vittorio Colao will be succeeded by Group Chief Financial Officer Nick Read."