(Telecompaper) The longest-serving head of a leading European telecommunications company, Telefonica executive chairman Cesar Alierta, is to retire after nearly 16 years in the position. In a statement, the company announced that Alierta will propose the current COO, Jose Maria Alvarez-Pallete, as the new chairman at a board meeting to be held on 08 April. According to the outgoing chairman, Alvarez-Pallete is "the leader most prepared to successfully face the challenges imposed by the digital revolution". Alvarez-Pallete was named operating chief in 2012 and has been considered Alierta's likely successor for a number of years.