Combes' predecessor, Ben Verwaayen, had also announced massive restructuring plans and job cuts between 2010 and 2012. However, Verwaayen failed miserably to stop sales declines and generate profits. Michel Combes is the right man for the job I believe Michel Combes has all the necessary capabilities to revive the company. He has a history of massive cost reduction. With more than 20 years of experience in the telecom industry, Combes successfully led a 2 billion pound ($3 billion) cost cutting program at Vodafone Group Plc (ADR) (NASDAQ:VOD). He reduced expenditures on network gear and logistics, and slashed headcount at the British firm. He also changed pricing strategies across Europe, the biggest market for Vodafone Group Plc (ADR) (NASDAQ:VOD), tying data tariffs to consumption. Combes has also overseen finances at France Telecom.