Mobikom was shocked last week by the surprise resignation of managing director John Munnery.

"On August 15, he sent an email to all the employees, and BTC and Cable & Wireless, saying he was leaving the company as managing director, effective September 14," said Yanita Pachova, a marketing assistant at Mobikom. Munnery left the next day for a week's vacation in Greece.

Pachova said that in the email, Munnery explained that Mobikom was changing, and maybe it was time for new management. He said that after returning from vacation, he intended to visit all of the company's departments, both in Sofia and across the country to say farewell personally.

Although the email did not expand on the reasons behind his departure, Pachova speculated it might have been prompted by administrative conflicts. "BTC and the previous government had a strong opposition against Mobikom," she said. "They made him go to so many general meetings, and they wanted to replace him with a Bulgarian. It was very unpleasant for him."

Pachova was unsure of Munnery's future plans but was aware of reports that said he intended to take a job outside of the country. "That's only a rumour. There's nothing official," she said, adding that his wife, who also works at Mobikom, had not tendered her resignation.

"This was a very big surprise," said Pachova. "All the employees are sad - John Munnery is the company for us." She explained that the initial shock bordered on panic. "Everybody was very sorry and saying 'What shall we do? Is this the end of the company?'"

Although BTC has not officially accepted Munnery's resignation, Pachova said that would likely happen at the general meeting scheduled for mid-September. She added a new managing director would likely be appointed at the same time. "He is an amazing person," she said. "He did his best for this company - it was his life for 10 years."

Munnery was unavailable for comment.