Simobil's chief financial officer, Boštjan Škufca Zaveršek, will take over as interim boss, the company said in a press release on Friday.

It is not yet clear who will replace Turk for a full term. Simobil said in a brief statement that Telekom Austria will find a suitable replacement.

Turk told the press he saw the assignment as a career opportunity. "We're third by market share in Serbia and I'm looking forward to try and take us to no. 2".

The change at the helm of Simobil will take place just weeks before a mega spectrum auction, but Turk is confident his departure will not affect Simobil's outcome.

"We're ready for the auction. We've been preparing for half a year, I think the team is very well prepared."

Turk was promoted to the helm of Simobil from the marketing and sales director post in May 2007.

He came to Simobil in August 2004 from McDonald's Slovenija, where he served as the manager of the entire country franchise from 1998.

He is also the president of the Manager Association. His successor at what is one of the most powerful business companies in the country will be picked in March.