Telenor rejigs global team; Sharad Mehrotra to head India ops

The company's 13 markets will be represented in the new Executive Management team to ensure faster execution of the group strategy

Norwegian telecom major Telenor Group today announced restructuring of the 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.