Spain’s Telefónica has replaced the head of its German operations, after just two years in the post. Ex-Vodafone (NYSE: VOD) manager Rene Schuster (pictured right) will take over in June as CEO of O2 Germany, after its current chief exec Jaime Smith has been called back to Madrid to become Director of Affiliates and Industrial Alliances.

In particular, Smith, whom Telefónica praised for “turning around the German business,” will develop operationally and strategically current relations with three of the group’s partners: China Unicom, Telecom Italia and Portugal Telecom. He reports directly to Telefonica (NYSE: TEF) CEO and chairman Cesar Alierta.

Schuster has held a number of posts in the telcoms and technology industries, including a stint as Vodafone’s global marketing director. Schuster joins the Board of Directors of Telefónica Europe. (Release).