Lyca Mobile appoints Richard Schäfer as CEO to spearhead new wave of growth and innovation

LONDON, 21 June: Lyca Mobile has appointed Richard Schäfer to the position of CEO, effective immediately, as the company targets a new wave of growth underpinned by its investment in delivering high value, low cost services to mobile customers.

Schäfer also takes on the wider role of Lyca Group CEO, having previously served as Lyca Group CFO since May 2021. Lyca Group is a British multinational corporation offering high-quality, low-cost products and services to over 16 million consumers in sectors including telecommunications, entertainment, travel, healthcare and financial services.

“Lyca Mobile has always delivered exceptional value to our customers, and I firmly believe we have some of the most cost-effective and compelling products in the market,” said Schäfer. “As the world’s largest MVNO, we have built a loyal customer base by delivering reliable, low-cost international calling, and there is a golden opportunity to extend that base by targeting a broader value-seeking market.”

“Consumers are facing skyrocketing living costs and there is a growing space for mobile providers who can give customers what they want – which is simply cost-effective, quality services. We will be relentless in delivering against our three priorities of value, customer service and reliability, with new investments and partnerships already taking shape to demonstrate our single-minded focus on continuous improvement across these core areas,” he added. 

Recent research from Lyca Mobile found that the majority (72%) of “big four” mobile network operator (MNO) contract customers would consider switching to an alternative provider, if cheaper. To support customers in the face of rising costs, Lyca Mobile has already announced a freeze on its prices until the end of 2023 amidst industry-wide hikes, and has guaranteed EU roaming for customers across its plans.

Subaskaran Allirajah, Lyca Group Chairman, said: “I am delighted to announce Richard’s appointment as Group CEO. Since joining the business, he has already had a transformational impact. I know he will carry that energy through into his expanded role and will play a critical role in the ongoing growth of the Lyca Group internationally.”

Schäfer has an extensive senior leadership track record, having worked in the domestic UK and international telecommunication sector for more than 22 years at some of the UK’s leading telecommunication companies including Three UK, Vodafone UK, Onecom, and Lebara.

At Three UK, Richard helped build, launch, and grow the UK’s first pure 3G telecommunication company and delivered what was at the time one of largest European telecommunication outsourcing agreements between Three UK and Ericsson, valued at over £1bn. At Vodafone UK, Richard provided financial leadership to the pioneering site sharing joint venture between Vodafone and O2. More recently, Richard was the Group Chief Financial Officer at Lebara.