OSLO, Norway, Nov. 2, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- Telenor (Nasdaq:TELN) announced today that Lars Persson, a former CEO at Telia Mobile International, will head up Telenordia AB as their new CEO. Persson will be in charge of Telenor's joint commitment in the Swedish business market, which incorporates Telenordia, Nextra and Telenor Business Solutions AB.
Lars Persson enters his new position as of Monday the 5th of November. He has several years experience in building and leading telecommunications companies in the Swedish and Nordic business market. Most recently he has gained substantial international experience as head of CellPoint in London.
"Telenor is a strong company that has succeeded in some of the world's toughest and most challenging telecommunications markets. This gives the company a great starting point in today's Swedish business market. My job will be to lead the further development of the company, together with my extremely competent colleagues. I have worked with Norwegian companies before, so this feels almost like coming home," said Lars Persson.
Leiv Erik Svenning, who has served as acting CEO for Telenordia in the period from July 1st until Persson's take-over, will still function in the new organization before returning to Telenor Business Solutions in Norway to work with new restructuring projects.
As of October 1,2001 the activities in the three Telenor companies Telenordia, Nextra AB and Telenor Business Solutions AB are co-ordinated in one company. This new commitment will be a provider of a complete portfolio of communications services, for the business market. The company sits within the new business area Telenor Business Solutions.
Headquarters for the new operation in Sweden will be in Stockholm, with regional offices in Gothenburg, Malmo and Haparanda.