Oddvar Hesjedal appointed new CEO of Grameenphone

"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.

Before he joined the Telenor Group, Oddvar Hesjedal was CEO of software and consultancy companies in Norway and Sweden. He has a Masters degree in computer science from the University of Oslo. Oddvar is married and has three daughters.

"I am honored to be given the task to lead the premier mobile operator in Bangladesh. Grameenphone has played a decisive role in developing the communications sector in the country and will continue to do so in the future. I have deep respect for the achievements made by Anders during his time as the CEO and look forward to continue in the direction he has set forth for the company", said Oddvar Hesjedal.

"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
espect his decision and wish him all the best in his future career," noted Sigve Brekke.

"It has been a great pleasure to have been a part of the development and continued success of Grameenphone. The company has a great team, and I congratulate Oddvar on his appointment and wish him and Grameenphone the best of luck for the future," said Anders Jensen.

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

For further information, please contact:
Esben Tuman, Vice President Communications, Telenor Asia
Phone: +66 859 184 111, E-mail: esben.tuman@telenor.com

Photo:
Download a photo of Oddvar Hesjedal

For further information regarding Grameenphone and Telenor in Bangladesh, please use this link