ing. Florin Petolea — CV (HTML)
Florin PETOLEA
CTIO & General Manager
florin.petolea@gmail.com +40 744 57 46 19 Timișoara, Romania LinkedIn: /in/florin-petolea-6152b812

Highly accomplished and results‑driven professional with over two decades of leadership in IT, telecommunications and public transportation sector, consistently delivering exceptional outcomes through strategic vision and execution. Proven ability to architect and implement comprehensive IT and technology strategies, enhancing operational efficiency and driving transformative organisational change. Expertise in spearheading multimillion‑euro projects, including major EU‑funded infrastructure initiatives, ensuring alignment with business objectives and market demands. Demonstrated proficiency in P&L oversight, financial planning, and navigating complex public tender procedures to optimise resource allocation and maximise profitability. Renowned for cultivating high‑performing, multicultural teams, fostering motivation and collaboration to achieve ambitious goals. Possesses extensive knowledge of cutting‑edge telecommunication technologies and trends, with a strong aptitude for forging executive‑level client relationships and delivering innovative solutions. Committed to continuous improvement and professional development, leveraging exceptional communication and negotiation skills to influence and inspire stakeholders at all levels.

Areas of Expertise

  • Strategic Technology Leadership
  • General Management
  • Stakeholder & Vendor Engagement
  • Network Infrastructure Management
  • Financial Acumen / P&L Administration
  • Public Transportation
  • Cybersecurity Management
  • Project Management & Oversight
  • Process Improvement & Optimisation
  • Public Tender & Contract Negotiation
  • Data‑Driven Decision‑making
  • Telecommunications Expertise
  • Cross‑Cultural Team Leadership
  • Change Management & Innovation
  • Public Administration

Professional Experience

General Manager
Timisoara Public Transport Operator
Romania
2025 – Present
  • Led the Public Transport Operator operations in Timisoara. 1000+ employees. Annual turnover €40M.
  • 11% increase of revenues in H1 2025 vs. H1 2024.
  • Turned around financial health from €2M loss (H1 2024) to €20K profit (H1 2025).
Chief Technology & Information Officer
Telekom Romania Mobile
Bucharest, Romania
2023 – 2024
  • Owned overall IT & technology strategy, CAPEX/OPEX and cybersecurity initiatives.
  • Improved Customer NPS by 14% through landscape simplification and service enhancements.
  • Reduced OPEX by 12% via process optimisation.
  • Streamlined IT by reducing applications, services and products count.
  • Introduced and implemented eSIM, VoLTE, VoWiFi, 3G retirement, and 5G deployment.
Network Rollout Director
Telekom / Orange Communication
Bucharest, Romania
2014 – 2022
  • Managed full network development; deployed >1M FTTH GPON households; led RAN evolution for multi‑million EU‑funded ICT projects.
  • Delivered annual infrastructure rollout within €100M+ budget.
  • Led RONET, the largest EU‑funded initiative in Romanian ICT (~€85M).
  • Provided consultancy within Technology & Information Directorate to enhance project outcomes.
Chief Executive Officer
NextGen Communications Romania (Subsidiary of Telekom Romania)
Bucharest, Romania
2014 – 2016
  • Oversaw company operations: strategy, business & financial planning, P&L, and legal representation.
  • Drove network expansion and introduced FTTH; managed >300k RGUs (TV, Broadband, Voice).
  • Achieved turnover >€20M; 5% CAGR in sales; +22% EBITDA.
Country Executive Officer
Alcatel‑Lucent Romania
Timișoara / Romania
2012 – 2014
  • Directed a 1,400+ people, two‑site organisation (SW Dev 600+, GNOC 400+, Ops/PM 200+, Support 200+).
  • Annual turnover >€70M; coordinated sales in Telecom & Public Sector.
  • Primary point of contact for C‑level customers, authorities, and media.
Sales Director
Alcatel‑Lucent
Romania
2004 – 2011
  • Managed key accounts (Romtelecom/Telekom, Cosmote, RCS&RDS, UPC); led Balkan region (2008–2009).
  • Achieved >€250M sales; signed >€150M Next Generation Project (largest contract at ALU Romania).
  • Oversaw 700k+ DSL/MSAN lines (NGN, IP DSLAM/MSAN, IN platform, IP network deployment).
Additional Experience
  • Deputy Operation Director — Alcatel‑Lucent, Romania: ran fixed‑operators ops in RO & MD; financial control on €100M+ projects; led 100+ PMs/TPMs/subcontractors.
  • Customer Services Manager — Alcatel‑Lucent, Romania: led 80+ team; managed support & training; PM for multi‑million maintenance contract.
  • Multiple Technical Positions — Alcatel‑Lucent Romania / Vodafone: GSM ops, maintenance & commissioning across India, Thailand, Netherlands, Macedonia.

Education

Master of Business Administration — Open University Business School, UK

MSc in Electronics & Telecommunications — Technical University, Timisoara

Board Memberships

Supervisory Board Member — Polytechnic Institute, Timisoara, 2013 – 2016

Board Member — French Chamber of Commerce, Romania, 2013 – 2014

Languages

English: Proficient
French: Proficient

Certifications & Training

PMI Project Management Certification
Alcatel‑Lucent Leadership Training Programme
Sales & Negotiation Training
Various Technical Trainings in Telecom