Mediacentre
- 27 Mar 2026
- ·
- Corporate
Cellnex strengthens its corporate governance with annual director re-election and two new independent appointments
Madrid, 27th March 2026.- Cellnex will submit to its General Shareholders’ Meeting, convened for 30th April, a set of corporate governance proposals that mark a significant step in the evolution of the Board’s oversight model.
The most significant measure is the transition to annual director re-election, replacing the current three-year term. This model — standard in leading international markets — reinforces accountability to shareholders, enables a more dynamic evaluation of Board performance, and facilitates orderly Board refreshment when circumstances require it.
The Meeting will also vote on the appointment of Cynthia Gordon and Kais Ben Hamida as new independent directors, together with the re-election of Marco Patuano (CEO), Christian Coco and Jonathan Amouyal (proprietary directors), and Óscar Fanjul (Chairman), Marieta del Rivero, Ana García Fau, Maite Ballester and Dominique D’Hinnin (independent directors).
If the full set of proposals is approved, the Board would comprise 12 members, with a reinforced non-executive majority: 11 out of 12, of whom 8 are independent (67%) and 5 are women (42%).
Executive continuity
Marco Patuano’s re-election as executive director underscores a deliberate alignment: a Board renewing itself in governance standards and composition, partnering with executive leadership that has already begun deploying Cellnex’s operational and strategic priorities.
Two profiles aligned with the Company’s strategic priorities
Cynthia Gordon brings over three decades of executive experience in the telecommunications sector, with direct expertise in strategy, operations and M&A across multiple geographies. She has held senior leadership roles at Millicom, Ooredoo and Orange, and currently serves on the board of Airtel Africa. Her appointment broadens the Board’s operational and sectoral perspective at a time when Cellnex is deepening the optimisation of its business model.
Kais Ben Hamida brings strong financial and transactional expertise, combining CFO roles — currently at Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du), and previously at Mobily and Orange Egypt — with senior positions in M&A and investment, including at Orange Group and Valiance Capital. His profile strengthens the Board’s capacity to accompany capital allocation decisions and balance sheet evolution.
Statement from the Chairman
Óscar Fanjul, Chairman of Cellnex, stated: “Corporate governance is ultimately about trust — the trust of shareholders that the people overseeing this company have both the independence to challenge and the expertise to guide. The proposals before our shareholders reflect that conviction: a Board that is more accountable, more independent, and better equipped — technically and professionally — to support the execution of a strategy built around their expectations.”
Cynthia Gordon
Ms. Cynthia Gordon has over 30 years of experience in the telecommunications sector across multiple geographies, with extensive expertise in strategy development, operational execution and mergers and acquisitions. With significant board experience in leading telecoms companies, including Airtel Africa, Tele2 and Eutelsat, she brings a strong and diverse international perspective to the Company’s Board of Directors.
Ms. Gordon currently serves as Non‑Executive Chair of Global Fashion Group and as a non‑executive director of Severfield plc and Airtel Africa plc. She also sits on various board committees across these organisations.
Since 2019, she has served as Senior Advisor to Tillman Global Holdings, where she has evaluated and supported investments in digital and physical infrastructure, including towers, data centres, in‑building connectivity and energy solutions.
Previously, Ms. Gordon served as Chief Executive Officer of Millicom Africa (2015–2017), leading a transformation of the company’s strategy, leadership and financial performance across six countries. Prior to that, she was Group Chief Commercial Officer at Ooredoo (2012–2015) and held several senior leadership roles at Orange – France Telecom, including Vice President of Partnerships & Emerging Markets and Vice President of Business Marketing.
Earlier in her career, she held senior positions at BT, One to One (T‑Mobile), AT&T International, Scottish Telecom and Unilever.
Ms. Cynthia Gordon holds a degree in Business Studies from the University of Brighton.
Kais Ben Hamida
Mr. Kais Ben Hamida currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du), listed on the Dubai Stock Exchange, and as a Board Member of du’s fintech subsidiary.
Previously, Mr. Ben Hamida served as Chief Financial Officer of Mobily (Etisalat Group), listed on the Riyadh Stock Exchange, and as Chief Financial Officer of Orange Egypt (formerly Mobinil), listed on the Cairo Stock Exchange.
He was also a Partner at Valiance Capital, a €1.5 billion infrastructure fund sponsored by Generali. Earlier in his career at Orange Group, he held the positions of Director of the Group CFO Office and Senior Vice President of the Mergers and Acquisitions Department, where he structured and executed cross‑border transactions with a total value exceeding €30 billion.
Mr. Ben Hamida began his professional career at the World Bank, Société Générale, and France Telecom Mobiles International.
He holds a degree from INSEAD’s International Directors Programme, a Master’s degree in Engineering from École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées, a Master’s degree in Economics from Sorbonne University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Financial Engineering from École Polytechnique.