TeliaSonera has appointed the former head of South African mobile operator Vodacom as CEO as the Swedish telco seeks a fresh start following controversy in Uzbekistan. Johan Dennelind, who at one point was set to join Malaysian telco Maxis, will take up…
TeliaSonera has appointed the former head of South African mobile operator Vodacom as CEO as the Swedish telco seeks a fresh start following controversy in Uzbekistan.
Johan Dennelind, who at one point was set to join Malaysian telco Maxis, will take up the helm of TeliaSonera on 1 September, although he will be available for the company from next month.
He replaces Lars Nyberg, who resigned in February after an internal investigation criticised the company’s lack of due diligence over a controversial 3G licence deal in Uzbekistan. CFO Per-Arne Blomquist was appointed interim CEO as the telco sought to repair its image after accusations of bribery in the country, which it continues to deny.
Dennelind joins the company as it brings in Norton Rose to review partners and the deals it has made across Eurasia in the past few years.
Chairman Marie Ehrling said: “Johan Dennelind brings with him almost 20 years of experience from the telecommunication industry and has during his time at Telenor and most recently at Vodacom proven that he can successfully lead organisations in significant change processes within an international environment.
“With Per-Arne Blomquist now returning to his role as executive vice president and CFO we are securing continuity in the business whilst through Johan Dennelind also providing a fresh start.”
Back in March, Dennelind was selected to join Malaysia’s Maxis after it emerged its CEO would leave two months early on 15 April.
However, at the end of May, Maxis revealed that he was unable to assume the role because of family reasons that meant it was necessary to reside closer to Sweden.
The shortlist for TeliaSonera’s next CEO was reportedly whittled down to four people in early June.
Tele2 CEO Mats Granryd and the Swedish alternative operator’s former head, Lars-Johan Jarnheimer, were on the list, reported Reuters.
Michael Wolf, who is CEO of banking group Swedbank, also made the selection, added the report.
