Telia names Patrik Hofbauer as CEO

Patrik Hofbauer

Nordic telco, Telia Company has hired Patrik Hofbauer as president and chief executive officer, effective February 1, 2024.

He succeeds current president and CEO Allison Kirkby, who announced her departure in July and was named the new chief executive of BT Group.

Hofbauer joins from gambling company Svenska Spel where he serves as CEO. Prior to Svenska Spel, he spent 11 years with Telenor and worked at Telenor Broadcasting in Norway from 2011 up to 2014, where he was both appointed as chief executive.

He has also held CEO roles at Clear Channel and Canal Digital in Sweden, as well as NEC Scandinavia. On top of that, the chief is a board member of Clas Ohlson and chairman of the board of Presto Holding.

Commenting on the new hire, Lars-Johan Jarnheimer, Telia Company’s chair of the Board, said: “Patrik has a strong track record of transforming businesses that operate in complex environments, while building highly motivated teams that are focused on customer value creation and growth. Telia has shown good progress in its digital transformation and is continuing to execute on its strategy to deliver value for all of its stakeholders. The Board and I are convinced that Patrik is the right person to continue leading this work as President and CEO, together with Telia’s experienced executive management team and dedicated colleagues across the organization.”

Hofbauer added: “Telia plays an important role for its customers and the societies it serves and is uniquely positioned to continue driving digitalization across its footprint and build on its network and technology leadership position. While I have most recently been working outside telecoms, I have followed recent industry developments with great interest, and I am ready to continue executing on Telia’s strategy and move forward with its digital transformation program.”