LONDON—David Nicholas has taken on a new role overseeing global communication strategy and innovation at Telefónica, amid a broader restructuring at the telecommunications giant.

Nicholas previously led communications for the Telefónica Digital unit that aimed to re-orient the telco's growth strategy around digital innovation.

Telefónica Digital's activities are now being integrated within the company's global corporate centre, as part of a new structure that sees the brand disappear. In tandem, the company's various corporate comms functions are being consolidated into one global unit. 

Nicholas takes on the role of global director of communications strategy and innovation, reporting to global comms chief Marisa Navas. 

He told the Holmes Report that his new position would continue to involve a focus on Telefónica's transformation into a "digital telco".

The company, which owns Movistar, O2 and Vivo, has made several investments in less traditional areas such as health, financial services, mobile advertising, security and cloud computing. Examples include LatAm internet TV company Terra, Spanish social network Tuenti and UK mobile brand giffgaff.

Nicholas also takes on responsibility for global campaigns, which previously fell under the remit of Telefónica Europe director of corporate affairs Richard Poston. As part of the restructuring, Poston takes on a new position leading Telefónica's global public policy.

Prior to taking on the top comms role at Telefónica Digital, Nicholas led comms for Telefónica Europe. He also spent six years as O2's comms director.