Robert Samuelson, co-founder and COO of Zegona Communications plc, has passed away unexpectedly.
The experienced telecoms and media executive founded Zegona with fellow former Virgin Media colleagues in 2015 after it was acquired by Liberty Global.
“It is with great sadness that we have to announce that Robert Samuelson, Zegona’s chief operating officer, passed away peacefully but very unexpectedly yesterday,” Zegona stated.
Zegona was set up to acquire businesses in the European TMT sector. It acquired Spanish cable operator Telecable in 2015 and sold it to Euskaltel in 2017, becoming a significant shareholder in that firm.
It raised new equity to become the largest shareholder in Euskaltel then launched it nationally across Spain. Euskaltel was subsequently acquired by Masmovil.
In 2024, Zegona completed the acquisition of Vodafone Spain for €5 billion and says that it has been working to transform the business.
Eamonn O’Hare, chairman and CEO of Zegona, commented: “Robert was my co-founder, a trusted colleague and, above all, a dear friend. I will miss him deeply.
“Everyone at Zegona and Vodafone Spain joins me in sending our heartfelt condolences to his family. Robert and I started Zegona together 10 years ago with nothing but a good idea.
“He helped shape everything we have built since, bringing dedication, generosity and a willingness to help others grow into a larger, more capable team. His contribution lives on in them and our work at Zegona.
“I will always be grateful for his friendship and for everything we achieved together.”