New CEO for Bangladesh's Grameenphone

Bangladeshi mobile operator, Grameenphone has appointed Oddvar Hesjedal as the company's new Chief Executive Officer. He takes up the position immediately, succeeding Anders Jensen, who in September announced his decision of shortening his tenure as CEO for family related reasons.

"The Board of Directors is very pleased to appoint Oddvar Hesjedal as Grameenphone's new CEO. His extensive experience within the mobile industry will be a great benefit to the company. Furthermore, his knowledge of both the organization and Bangladesh is an advantage. We welcome him as the new CEO and look forward to continue working together with him," said Sigve Brekke, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Grameenphone and CEO of Telenor Asia.

Oddvar Hesjedal has served as Grameenphone's Chief Technology Officer since June this year. Prior to joining Grameenphone, he has held various top management positions within the Telenor Group. He was CTO of Kyivstar, Ukraine in 2004-06.

"Anders Jensen has done a great job over the last year, and he has headed the company in a professional and strong, yet empathetic and listening manner. Although it is sad that he is leaving the company, we fully respect his decision and wish him all the best in his future career," noted Sigve Brekke.

Grameenphone says that it is the largest mobile phone operator in Bangladesh, serving 20.8 million customers as of third quarter 2008.

Posted to the site on 10th November 2008