[SatNews] The Board of Directors of Telenor Group (Telenor) has appointed Mr. Sigve Brekke as the company's new Group President and Chief Executive Officer—he will succeed Mr. Jon Fredrik Baksaas on August 17, 2015.
Telenor's newly named Group President + CEO, Sigve Brekke
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. He 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 monetize on the next growth wave, providing Internet for all.
"It is a great honor 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 organization for mobile operators.
Jon Fredrik Baksaas has served as President and CEO of Telenor Group since June 2002. Prior to becoming the President and CEO, Baksaas served as Telenor's Deputy CEO and Chief Financial Officer. Under his leadership, 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.