(Oslo, 12 May 2015) The Board of Directors of Telenor Group (Telenor) today announces the appointment of Mr. Sigve Brekke as the company`s new Group President and Chief Executive Officer. He will succeed Mr. Jon Fredrik Baksaas by 17 August 2015.
Sigve Brekke is the Executive Vice President and Head of Telenor Group`s Asia operations. He joined Telenor in 1999 and has held several executive positions in the company since then.
"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.
Sigve Brekke 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.
"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.