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    HomeCXO InterviewsBoard appoints Patrik Hofbauer as CEO of Telia from February

    Board appoints Patrik Hofbauer as CEO of Telia from February

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    He is many years’ experience in the telecoms sector as well as in roles outside it

    Telia Company’s board of directors has appointed Patrik Hofbauer as President and CEO, effective February 1, 2024. He is currently CEO of Svenska Spel and “has extensive experience from previous leadership positions in telecommunications and media,” according to Telia.

    The search for a new CEO was triggered when the incumbent CEO, Allison Kirby, announced at the end of July that she is to leave Telia to become CEO of BT Group. Kirby has been a long term non-exec board member at the British telco.

    Complex environments

    Lars-Johan Jarnheimer, Telia Company’s Chair of the Board, says: “Patrik has a strong track record of transforming businesses that operate in complex environments, while building highly motivated teams that are focused on customer value creation and growth.

    “Telia has shown good progress in its digital transformation and is continuing to execute on its strategy to deliver value for all of its stakeholders. The Board and I are convinced that Patrik is the right person to continue leading this work as President and CEO, together with Telia’s experienced executive management team and dedicated colleagues across the organization.”

    Hofbauer commented, “Telia plays an important role for its customers and the societies it serves and is uniquely positioned to continue driving digitalization across its footprint and build on its network and technology leadership position.

    Telecoms track record

    Although his most recent work has been outside telecoms, previously Hofbauer spent 11 years with Telenor in various leadership positions:  as CEO of Telenor in Sweden (2014-2018); as CEO of Telenor Broadcasting in Norway (2011-2014); as CEO of Clear Channel in Sweden (2009-2010); as CEO of Canal Digital in Sweden (2005-2009): and CEO of NEC Scandinavia (1999-2004).

    Hofbauer is a board member of Clas Ohlson and chairman of the board of Presto Holding. He studied innovation, leadership and strategy at INSEAD, and marketing management at IHM Business School.