Telenor rejigs global team; Sharad Mehrotra to head India operations

New Delhi: Norwegian telecom major Telenor Group on Monday announced restructuring of Executive Management team to represent all the 13 markets globally, a move aimed at ensuring faster execution of the Group strategy.

Telenor, which has 189 million mobile subscriptions in these 13 markets, will see the India operations being headed by Sharad Mehrotra with effect from November 1.

All 13 markets will be represented in the new Executive Management team to ensure faster execution of the Group strategy and a closer connection to the customers, Telenor group said in a statement.

"Telenor provides Internet to almost 200 million subscribers and new customer needs are emerging. By more directly involving the business unit CEOs in delivering on the global strategy and priorities, we increase our ability to execute and create value," Telenor Group President and CEO Sigve Brekke said.

Telenor stands to capture solid opportunities, as the world evolves to view connectivity as a basic necessity, he added.

In addition, the company has set up functions of Markets and Technology to improve and develop customer experiences, and to secure networks and IT systems.

The Norwegian firm said the current India head Vivek Sood will move to a global role as the EVP and Chief Marketing Officer.

Besides, Ruza Sabanovic will be Chief Technology Officer, Wenche Agerup Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Jon Gravrak as Chief Digital Officer.

Richard Aa and Jon Erik Haug will continue in their current positions as Chief Financial Officer and Chief People Officer, respectively.

"The new Executive Management team also reflects the Group's international footprint with nine members in the new team being non-Norwegians," it said.

Sharad Mehrotra, who has been appointed CEO of Telenor India, was previously serving as Chief Marketing Officer for Telenor Myanmar. He has also been part of Telenor India's management team for more than four years from 2008.

Founded in 1855, Telenor has 33,000 employees worldwide.

It reported revenues of NOK 107 billion (USD 13.24 billion) in 2014.

"India is one of the most competitive mobile markets in the world, and Telenor India has rapidly grown into a top position in the areas where we operate. I look forward to work with Telenor India's passionate and highly dedicated team to continue being best on basic services and deliver Internet for all," Mehrotra said.

Telenor had entered India through a joint venture with Unitech Wireless, which was branded as Uninor. Unitech has now completely exited from the operations and last year, the Telenor group increased its stake in the Indian entity to 100 percent.

In September, it changed the name of the company from Telewings Communications Services to Telenor (India) Communications.

Telenor has permit for seven service areas in India but operates in six circles -- Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh East and West.

According to telecom regulator TRAI, Telenor had 4.71 crore subscribers in India at the end of July 2015.