Vodafone chief executive Margherita Della Valle faced a tense annual general meeting on Tuesday, challenged by a former franchisee involved in a £120m legal action against the company. Donna Watton, one of 62 ex-store operators suing Vodafone, asked Della Valle: “How do you sleep at night knowing Vodafone’s actions left people suicidal, cost them their homes, and left them drowning in debt?”
The legal case, launched in December, claims Vodafone slashed commissions paid to franchisees who ran its retail outlets. Many franchisees say they feared losing their livelihoods, homes, or life savings after incurring personal debts exceeding £100,000. Vodafone refutes the claims and values the lawsuit at £85.5m.
Chair Jean-François van Boxmeer intervened, stating the matter was before the courts and that Vodafone remained open to further mediation after an unsuccessful attempt in May. He defended Della Valle, saying he was “protecting the sleep of Margherita”.
A shareholder also criticised Della Valle for not addressing attendees directly, noting he had travelled a long distance to the meeting. Van Boxmeer replied that the CEO would only respond to “very concrete questions relating to how the business is going”.
