Telenor Pakistan has announced the appointment of Fridtjof Rusten as its new Chief Executive Officer. He will take charge on September 1, 2025, succeeding Khurrum Ashfaque, who will transition to a new leadership position within Telenor Group. This leadership change marks a continued focus on business stability and growth for one of Pakistan’s major telecom operators.
Fridtjof brings with him over 23 years of industry experience, having served in multiple key roles across Asia within Telenor Group. Most recently, he was Chief Transformation Officer at True Corporation, where he played a central role in the initial phase of the integration between dtac and True. His previous stint at Telenor Pakistan as Chief Financial Officer from 2020 to 2023 is noted as a significant period during which the company underwent strategic transformation and operational improvements.
Chair of the Board of Telenor Pakistan, Marius Gigernes, welcomed the appointment by highlighting Fridtjof’s previous leadership role in the company. He noted that Fridtjof had successfully guided Telenor Pakistan through critical changes during his time as CFO. His understanding of the local market and his record of performance make him a fitting choice to lead the company into its next phase. Marius also acknowledged Khurrum Ashfaque’s tenure, stating that he had provided steady leadership during a challenging period, delivering solid business results and accelerating the company’s digital transformation efforts while maintaining a strong focus on customer value and financial stability.
Telenor Pakistan continues to be a platform for developing leadership talent that contributes to the broader success of Telenor Group globally. The company’s ability to groom high-performing professionals for key positions across the group underscores its strategic importance within the Telenor ecosystem.
In his remarks, Fridtjof Rusten expressed enthusiasm about returning to Telenor Pakistan. He emphasized his intent to build on the strong culture of empowerment, innovation, and integrity that has come to define the organization. With the evolving telecom environment in Pakistan, he expressed confidence in the company’s continued role in advancing the country’s digital development.
Outgoing CEO Khurrum Ashfaque reflected on his time at the company, describing it as a meaningful journey shaped by the commitment and resilience of the Telenor Pakistan team. He credited the collective efforts of the organization for driving growth and expanding connectivity across communities. He wished Fridtjof success and expressed confidence that the company would continue to impact lives positively under his leadership.
The leadership transition is set to take place smoothly, ensuring strategic continuity for Telenor Pakistan’s operations and its contribution to Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.
