Sigve Brekke new Telenor Group CEO

Telenor Group announced recently that Mr Sigve Brekke, the former CEO of DTAC, currently the Executive Vice President and Head of Telenor Group’s Asia operations, has been appointed as its new Group President and Chief Executive Officer.

Sigve Brekke joined Telenor in 1999 and has held several executive positions in the company since then.

Siggve-Brekke-TelenorHe has been instrumental in establishing Telenor Group as a leading international mobile operator. Under Brekke’s leadership, Telenor has added more than 100 million subscribers in Asia. The value creation from Asia has been significant and the region now represents more than 40 percent of the total enterprise value of Telenor Group. Telenor is well positioned to monetise on the next growth wave – providing internet for all, writes the Norwegian telecommunications giant in a statement.

Sigve Brekke is currently responsible for Telenor’s operations in Asia (Executive Vice President and Head of Telenor Group’s Asia operations), a position he has held since 2008.

Earlier in his Telenor career he was the Managing Director of its Singapore office. Then a longer stint in Thailand followed as Telenor developed and expanded its operation there. He was co-Chief Executive Officer of Thai mobile operator dtac from 2002 to 2005, and then its CEO from 2005-2008.

In September 2014 Sigve was once again back to DTAC; appointed interim CEO Mr. Sigve Brekke as Mr Jon Eddy Abdullah resigned from his position as CEO of dtac.

Mr Brekke will succeed Mr. Jon Fredrik Baksaas as Telenor Group’s CEO by 17 August 2015.

“Sigve Brekke has a solid track-record as the Head of Telenor’s Asia operations and part of Group Management since August 2008. His leading role in our Asian success story combined with his vast international experience and leadership capabilities will be of great value as the company continues its profitable growth journey,” said Svein Aaser, Chairman of the Board of Directors in Telenor Group.

“It is a great honour to be asked to lead Telenor. Our company’s Norwegian and international success is a result of Telenor Group’s ability to provide digital communication services that are valuable to our customers. Telenor’s strategy, including our financial priorities, form a solid platform for value creation for our shareholders and continued growth in Norway, Europe and Asia. We are poised to capture value from the opportunities arising from strong demand for internet services and I look forward to executing our strategy together with our 33,000 employees,” said Sigve Brekke.

Jon Fredrik Baksaas steps down after 13 years as the company President and CEO. In September 2014, he extended his tenure for another year, until the end of 2015. In preparation of Baksaas’ retirement, Telenor’s Board of Directors initiated a thorough process with a broad set of internal and external candidates to find his successor. Baksaas will continue as advisor to the Board of Directors until the end of 2016 and will serve as Chairman of GSMA, the global industry organisation for mobile operators.

“Jon Fredrik Baksaas has internationalised Telenor and transformed us into a modern, world-class telecom company and widely known consumer brand originating from Norway. I believe Fredrik is one of the most important industry leaders in Norway in modern times,” said Svein Aaser.

Telenor has grown substantially both in terms of number of customers, revenue and market value. Telenor is a leading mobile telecom company with mobile operations in 13 markets and 192 million mobile subscriptions worldwide. Revenues have increased from NOK 49 billion to NOK 107 billion and market capitalisation from NOK 45 billion to NOK 270 billion during Baksaas’ leadership. A significant contributor to this development has been the company’s growth in Asia.

“To lead Telenor during a period of rapid growth and major technological changes has been both exciting and rewarding. In Sigve Brekke, the Board of Directors has found the perfect candidate to continue Telenor’s growth and value creation. We have worked closely for many years, and his knowledge of the business, customer focus and hands-on management style will ensure a great future for the company,” said Jon Fredrik Baksaas.

About Joakim Persson

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