NEWBURY, U.K. -- In this new role he will lead Vodafone Group's public policy activities and represent the Company with Governments and key political institutions around the world.

Matthew Kirk is currently the British Ambassador to the Republic of Finland, a role he took up in August 2002. He joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1982 and since then he has held a number of senior positions - including Head of the Information Technology Strategy Unit and Head of the European Union Presidency Unit - as well as a variety of diplomatic assignments.

Sir Michael Jay, Permanent Under-Secretary of State and Head of the Diplomatic Service, said "I am delighted that Vodafone - one of the UK's leading companies - has chosen one of our leading younger Ambassadors to develop its relations with the public sector. The FCO attaches great importance to the exchange of best practice and skills between the private and public sectors, of which appointments such as this one are an excellent example."

Arun Sarin, Vodafone Group's Chief Executive, said today "With over 20 years of experience in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Matthew Kirk is exceptionally well-qualified to develop and lead Vodafone's external relationships with political and other relevant institutions."

Vodafone Group plc (NYSE: VOD)