Wednesday, 19 December 2012 08:11

Country's leading telecom operator Grameenphone has appointed Vivek Sood, an Indian national, as its new Chief Executive Officer. He is likely to take charge from Jan 7.  A press release from Grameenphone on Wednesday noon said Sood, 47, would be succeeding former CEO Tore Johnsen, 65.

Sood has earlier served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with Indian mobile operator Uninor, one of the fastest growing operators in India, it said.

"I am confident that his experience from one of the world's most competitive mobile markets will benefit Grameenphone in further developing its position as the country's leading mobile operator," said Sigve Brekke, Executive Vice President of Telenor Group
and Chairman of the Board of Grameenphone.

"Mr. Vivek Sood has been the Executive Vice President of India's one of the leading mobile operators, Uninor, that has more than 42 million subscribers."

Sood has also served in senior positions for 22 years in leading Indian companies like Tata AIG life Insurance, Hutchison Telecom, Tupperware India and Hindustan Lever Limited (Unilever), according to Brekke.

On his appointment, Sood said, "Throughout my career I have always been driven by a hunger and passion to build business. I am pleased to be offered the opportunity to head Grameenphone, the leading telecom operator in Bangladesh, and one of the country's most recognised brands. I look forward to working with the employees in developing the company further to benefit customers, employees and the Bangladeshi community."

He succeeds Tore Johnsen, who has served as the CEO of Grameenphone since March 2011. Johnson is moving as the Senior Vice President of the Telenor Group's Asia region in Bangkok.

"The Board of Directors would like to thank Tore Johnsen for his dedication to Grameenphone. Under his leadership, the company has continued its good performance, secured renewed licences for 15 more years of operation and made significant progress towards the vision of 'Digital Bangladesh' by bringing internet to masses, especially youth segment and students," said Brekke.

"I feel privileged and honoured for my time as the CEO of Grameenphone. During my tenure, I have had the experience of working with a competent management team and very talented employees. Together we have developed Grameenphone as a customer-centric company that is highly competitive and ideally positioned for future growth," said Johnsen, as he wished his successor great luck.