Ex-Veon and Telenor exec Johnsen to take helm of Tele2 from Nilsson

Anders Nilsson

Tele2 president and CEO Anders Nilsson is to step down after six years in the role and will be replaced by Kjell Morten Johnsen, previously chief operating officer of Russia’s Veon and chief executive of Telenor Europe.

Johnsen will take over from Nilsson when the latter leaves on September 15. Nilsson had previously told the Tele2 board that he was considering stepping down at some point in the future once a clear succession plan had been put in place.

Tele2 chairman Carla Smits-Nusteling thanked Nilsson for his “great contribution” to the company, which included overseeing its merger with leading Swedish cable operator Com Hem, which he had previously run.

Kjell Morten Johnsen

She said that Johnsen’s “vast experience as a leader in global telecommunications” would help positing the company for its “ambitious transformation programme”.

I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead Tele2 going forward. The company has a great history as a challenger and innovator in the telecommunications sector and has gone through an impressive transformation journey over the last few years. I see a bright future, and I look forward to being part of Tele2’s journey through both challenges and the great opportunities ahead,” said Johnsen.

“It has been six very intense and fantastic years running Com Hem and Tele2. I have however now come to the conclusion that it is time for me to take a break and focus on other things in life for a while. This was not an easy decision as there is no good time to leave a great company, but we have a highly capable and motivated team to make the next chapter of our strategy happen. I will definitely continue to cheer them on from the sidelines. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who made this journey possible and supported the team and me. It’s been a true honour,” said Nilsson.