Banglalink appoints telecom veteran Johan Buse as new CEO

Johan Buse is set to take over as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of telecom network operator Banglalink.

He joins from StarHub, a multinational telecom company in Singapore, where he led the business group, focusing on strategy and transformation.

The announcement was made in a press statement on the official website of Banglalink’s parent company, VEON.

Buse will take office from Apr 6, Banglalink confirmed in a statement on Friday evening.

He will succeed Erik Aas, who has led Banglalink for the past nine years.

According to the statement, Buse has decades of experience in the telecom sector across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

His extensive experience in the telecom industry is expected to add a new dimension to Banglalink’s transition from a traditional mobile operator to a digital service provider, it added.

Before joining StarHub, he served as the chief commercial officer at Ooredoo Oman and held senior roles at Deutsche Telekom Croatia, AXIS, and Singtel.

VEON Group CEO Kaan Terzioglu expressed enthusiasm about the appointment.

He said: “I welcome Johan to the VEON family and Banglalink team. With decades of experience across multiple emerging markets, he is well-positioned to accelerate our digital expansion and our contributions to the growth of the Bangladesh economy.

“I also extend my heartfelt thanks to Erik Aas for his outstanding leadership over the past nine years, during which Banglalink has become a nationwide operator, offering a superior 4G experience and market-defining digital services through Toffee, MyBL and RYZE.”

Outgoing CEO Erik reflected on his time leading the company.

“Over the past nine years, it has been a privilege to lead the terrific Banglalink team, bringing VEON’s innovative spirit, ‘4G for all’ focus and digital services to millions of Bangladeshis.

“I’m pleased to pass the mantle to a highly qualified successor like Johan Buse, who I’m sure will take Banglalink to new heights in service of Bangladesh, with the support of a world-class team.”Buse also shared his excitement about joining Banglalink.

He said, “I very much look forward to taking over the leadership baton from Erik and having the privilege to lead Banglalink at this important time where the future is filled with customer-focused value-creating opportunities.

"Bangladesh is going through a historic period of change. Transforming the digital landscape of the country by equipping its people with highly demanded digital and connectivity services is more important than ever."

“We have a great opportunity to leverage VEON’s digital expertise and the skills of Banglalink’s world-class team to accelerate the efforts to bridge the digital divide, foster innovation and create opportunities that will positively impact the lives of millions in Bangladesh,” he added.