Virgin Media O2 has announced that its CEO Lutz Schüler will step away from his role for several weeks following a recent cancer diagnosis.

In a statement yesterday (September 26), the UK carrier confirmed that Schüler has recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer, noting that the cancer has been detected in the early stages.

"His prognosis is very positive, and he’s expected to make a full recovery following surgery in the coming days," said the telco.

Lutz Schuler
– Virgin Media O2

Virgin Media O2 stated that Schüler will take the next four to eight weeks off to recover from surgery and focus on his recovery.

Patricia Cobian, CFO, Virgin Media O2, will act as CEO during that time, in addition to her current role.

Schüler, 56, has been CEO of Virgin Media O2 since Virgin Media and O2 merged in 2021.

Before this, he was also CEO of Virgin Media from May 2019. He has also previously worked for T-Mobile Deutschland and Telefónica Germany, and was CEO at HanseNet Telekommunikation GmbH and Unitymedia.

"We wish Lutz a speedy recovery and look forward to having him back to his usual fighting-fit self," added the telco.

DCD sends its best wishes to Lutz Schüler and his family during this time