Rakuten Symphony names ex-Telefónica CTIO Enrique Blanco adviser

Rakuten Symphony appointed former Telefónica executive Enrique Blanco as a strategic adviser, according to a Mobile World Live report published in 2025. Rakuten said Blanco will guide its technology strategy and support the company's expansion in global markets.

Enrique Blanco served as Telefónica's global CTIO, or chief technology and information officer, from 2017 to 2025, after previously holding the group's CTO role. In the final stage of his time at Telefónica, the report said he was a supporter of the shift to open and virtualized network infrastructure.

Rakuten Symphony said Blanco's responsibilities will include helping operators accelerate network modernization and supporting the adoption of AI-based operations. The company said he joins at a time when operators are increasing investment in infrastructure and intelligence while facing pressure to improve profitability and customer service, which it linked to interest in software-based networks, automation, and open ecosystems.