Mobile operator and media company 3 in the U.K. has announced that Kevin Russell, 40, will take over as CEO of 3 UK, Reuters reports. (The appointment comes as little surprise since as Russell was drafted in as deputy CEO). He will take over from Bob Fuller at the end of this month when he retires at the age of 60. Russell has been with three, working at several companies belonging to parent Hutchison Whampoa, since 1995. The change at the helm comes at a time when some in the industry speculate about the operator’s future. Reuters recounts that Vodafone has shown an interest in the company. However, 3 has made since clear it is not interested in selling its operations in the U.K.