The Board of Directors of Telenor Pakistan has appointed Khurrum Ashfaque as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company. He will succeed Irfan Wahab Khan, who will take a new role as Senior Vice President (SVP) in Telenor Asia.
Irfan will continue as Chair of the Board of Directors in Telenor Microfinance Bank (TMB). The appointment is effective from 15 September 2023.
Khurrum comes from the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Telenor Pakistan. He has been with the company for 17 years and has played a key role in repositioning Telenor Pakistan as a strong and efficient company geared for the future.
“I am pleased to see Khurram stepping up and taking the CEO role. His understanding of the company and the Pakistani telecom market is unmatched, and I am confident that he will continue the company’s momentum and bring perspectives that drive operational excellence, empower the organization and deliver value to customers. I welcome Irfan to the Telenor Asia leadership team in Singapore and am pleased that Telenor will continue to gain from his vast leadership experience,” says Jørgen A. Rostrup, Head of Telenor Asia and Chair of the Board of Telenor Pakistan.
“It’s an honor to take on the role of CEO of Telenor Pakistan. Irfan leaves behind a legacy of innovation and growth, and I am committed to building upon that foundation. As we navigate the evolving telecommunications landscape, my focus will be on empowering our customers and driving digital transformation. Together with our dedicated team, I am confident that we will continue to deliver exceptional services and contribute to Pakistan’s digital future,” says Khurrum Ashfaque, appointed CEO of Telenor Pakistan.
Commenting on the transition, Irfan Wahab Khan shared, “It has been an incredible journey leading Telenor Pakistan, one marked by dedication, innovation, and the unwavering commitment of our exceptional team. As I move on from this role, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude. Telenor Pakistan, its people, and the communities we serve will forever hold a special place in my heart. I wish Khurrum the best in his new role and am assured that under his leadership our teams will continue to empower the communities, drive positive change and impact lives. I am excited and looking forward to contribute to Telenor’s broader regional ambitions with my experiences and insights.”
In a heartfelt last email addressing the employees of Telenor Pakistan, Irfan Wahab said,
The time has come for me to bid farewell to the role of CEO at Telenor Pakistan, after a long stint of seven years, and while this is a moment of transition, it’s also an opportunity to express my deep gratitude and reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared as one team, united by a common purpose and dare I say, passion.
From the day I joined TP in 2004, it was evident that I was becoming part of something truly exceptional. Through the years, we’ve fostered an identity that has fueled innovation, sheer dedication, and challenged the status quo driven by a common sense of purpose which is empowering Pakistan. We’ve journeyed together, witnessing our aspirations turn into reality, surmounting challenges, celebrating triumphs, and in the process impacting millions of lives.
Reflecting on our journey, I’m reminded of Robert Frost’s words, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” Our route may not have been conventional, yet it led us to redefine Pakistan’s telecom and digital landscape. Every milestone we’ve achieved, every innovation we’ve pioneered, and every life we’ve touched holds a special place in my heart because it was all of you creating your magic in every corner of this vibrant organization.
This chapter of my life has been a reflection of a belief that great leadership isn’t about commanding from above, but about inspiring from within. It’s about empowering each and every employee and ensuring that the role of a leader is to make more leaders. From the very beginning, my belief in the power of people and the potential of these ‘connections’ have been the guiding force behind every decision, aspiration and achievement. It has been a privilege for me to watch our talent groomed as leaders, individuals growing up to take more challenging roles, not only in TP but across Telenor and beyond.
Now I entrust this responsibility to Khurrum Ashfaque, our homegrown talent who embodies the same values, dedication, and commitment. I wish him the best of luck, knowing you’ll offer him the support you’ve given me. Khurrum assumes the role of CEO Telenor Pakistan on 15th September.
This is not a farewell. It’s simply a turn in the road, a continuation of our journey together. Even though my role may change, my commitment to and my love for Telenor Pakistan remains unshaken. I want you all to know that I will always be just a phone call away. Whether you need advice, a sounding board, or simply a friendly chat, I’m here for you.
In closing, I want to remind you that we’re in this beautiful business where our customers expect more from us and we have a huge responsibility and opportunity to play a pivotal role in building “Digital Pakistan” and I urge you to rise above any hindrances and embrace conscious positivity. While uncharted waters might seem daunting, it’s vital to pave a path defined by determination and eventual success.
Thank you, each one of you, for being a pivotal part of this journey. Our collective spirit will continue propelling our shared successes, and I look forward to witnessing the remarkable impact you’ll continue to make.
Irfan joined Telenor in 2004 as the first employee of Telenor Pakistan and has held different leadership roles across Telenor Group, both in Europe and Asia. For the last seven years, he has been CEO of Telenor Pakistan during which time he has been instrumental in ensuring business resilience and furthering the digitalisation agenda.
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