The Vodafone story
On 1 January 1985 comedian Ernie Wise made the first mobile phone call on a UK network, on a system run by Racal Vodafone. The business was spun off from Racal Electronics in 1991 as Vodafone Group, and the name comes from voice, data and phone.
What makes Vodafone powerful
Vodafone's power comes from its red speech mark and its reach. It grew through acquisitions, including Mannesmann in Germany in 2000, into one of the world's largest mobile operators. Through Safaricom in Kenya it helped launch M-Pesa, the mobile money service.
Vodafone today
Vodafone Group is headquartered in Newbury, England, and Margherita Della Valle is CEO. It has sold its Italian and Spanish businesses and merged its UK operations with Three to form VodafoneThree in 2025.
What comes next for Vodafone
Vodafone's task is to return Germany, its largest market, to growth and to build its business services and African operations.
Why Vodafone ranks #90
Brand Positioning & Recall (74.0) and Product, Innovation & Delivery (64.0) carry Vodafone's Power Score of 65.68.
Digital Presence & Financial Soundness at 58.0. What would move it: Stronger digital engagement and clearer published financial reporting at brand level.
Pillar profile
Versus its nearest rivals
4 Telecom & Media brands are in the Europe 100. Vodafone is #3 in its sector.
Questions people ask
What rank is Vodafone in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026?
Vodafone ranks #90 of 100 in Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 65.68 out of 100.
When was Vodafone founded and who founded it?
Vodafone was founded in 1991 (first UK mobile call on its network 1985). Founder(s): Racal Electronics.
What is Vodafone's weakest area?
In the 2026 assessment, Vodafone's lowest pillar is Digital Presence & Financial Soundness at 58.0 out of 100.
Who leads Vodafone today?
Margherita Della Valle, Group Chief Executive. The brand is owned by Vodafone Group plc.
Where is Vodafone headquartered?
Vodafone is based in Newbury, United Kingdom. Its country of origin is United Kingdom.
What is Vodafone's revenue?
€40.46bn total revenue (FY to 31 March 2026, +8.0%), according to the company's published results.
What is a signature fact about Vodafone?
Vodafone sent the world's first text message, "Merry Christmas", in December 1992.
Key facts
| Brand | Vodafone |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | Vodafone Group plc |
| Headquarters | Newbury, United Kingdom |
| Founded | 1991 (first UK mobile call on its network 1985) |
| Founder(s) | Racal Electronics |
| Leadership | Margherita Della Valle, Group Chief Executive |
| Latest revenue | €40.46bn total revenue (FY to 31 March 2026, +8.0%) Source |
| Sector | Telecom & Media |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Signature fact | Vodafone sent the world's first text message, "Merry Christmas", in December 1992. |
| Official website | vodafone.com |
Vodafone is ranked #90 in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 (Power Score 65.68).