Advertisement

New Telia CEO 'excited' about the job

The Local Sweden
The Local Sweden - [email protected]
New Telia CEO 'excited' about the job

TeliaSonera's new head Johan Dennelind believes he is the right man to restore the Swedish telecom giant's reputation after the company's Uzbek bribery scandal.

Advertisement

In an interview with news agency TT, Dennelind said he felt "excited" about the appointment, but he did not want to reveal his plans for TeliaSonera's future.

Asked in what ways he can help improve the company's reputation, Dennelind replied:

"I have worked in the industry for 20 years, in mature markets and in some developing countries. I have worked in tough conditions. I believe I recognize some of the problems Telia seems to be facing so I hope to contribute with some experience."

Dennelind sees the company's presence in growth economies as well as mature markets as a good combination, he said, adding that the telecoms industry is crucial in developing countries as it helps economies grow and allows people to communicate within and across borders.

"Our industry is really in a sweet spot," he said.

As for the Uzbek scandal, Dennelind did not want say whether he plans to take any particular measures or whether the managers suspected of bribery will keep their jobs.

"I haven't had time to familiarize myself with this. I got the job yesterday," he said.

He promised he himself has no "skeletons in the closet" and said that he has no trouble drawing the line between his work and private life. He is also good at delegating work among colleagues, he said.

Telia chairwoman Marie Ehrling told TT that Dennelind will help clean up the company's reputation, praising his leadership skills and his experiences of working in tough environments such as Africa, where he was based for three years.

"There are similar issues there as in Eurasia when it comes to human rights, for instance," said Ehrling.

Dennelind will officially take up the post as TeliaSonera CEO in September.

TT/The Local/nr

Follow The Local on Twitter

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also