Fridtjof Rusten Takes Helm as Telenor Pakistan CEO; Khurrum Ashfaque Promoted to Telenor Group Leadership

Fridtjof Rusten Appointed CEO of Telenor Pakistan as Khurrum Ashfaque Moves to a Leadership Position within Telenor Group

Telenor Pakistan is set to welcome a familiar face back to its helm as Fridtjof Rusten has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer. Rusten will step into the role on September 1, 2025, succeeding Khurrum Ashfaque, who is transitioning to a new leadership position within the broader Telenor Group.

Rusten brings over 23 years of extensive experience to his new role, having held various pivotal leadership positions across Asia within the Telenor Group. Most recently, he served as Chief Transformation Officer at True Corporation, where he played a crucial role in the initial phase of the merger integration between dtac and True. Notably, this isn’t his first tenure at Telenor Pakistan; he previously served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer from 2020 to 2023.

Marius Gigernes, Chair of the Board of Telenor Pakistan, expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment. “We are thrilled to welcome Fridtjof back as CEO of Telenor Pakistan,” Gigernes stated. “He brings a wealth of experience and leadership, especially from his time as our CFO, during which he guided the company through a period of significant strategic transformation and operational turnaround. Fridtjof’s deep understanding of the Pakistan market, his proven capabilities, and his dedication to excellence make him the ideal leader for Telenor Pakistan’s next chapter.”

Gigernes also took the opportunity to commend Khurrum Ashfaque for his exceptional leadership over the past two years. “Khurrum has remarkably steered the company through a challenging yet transformative period,” he noted. “Under his leadership, Telenor Pakistan achieved strong business results, accelerated its digital transformation, and maintained a sharp focus on customer value and financial discipline.”

Highlighting Telenor Pakistan’s role as a talent incubator, Gigernes added, “Telenor Pakistan consistently develops high-calibre professionals who go on to assume important roles across the organization’s global footprint. This is a testament to our robust people practices, which prioritize leadership development, cross-functional exposure, and a culture of continuous learning. Khurrum’s new role within Telenor Group is yet another example of Telenor Pakistan’s significant contribution to our global leadership pipeline.”

Returning to Pakistan, Fridtjof Rusten shared his excitement. “I’m thrilled to be back in Pakistan and to reconnect with an exceptional group of colleagues,” he remarked. “I am committed to building upon the strong culture of empowerment, innovation, and integrity that defines this company. As we navigate the evolving telecommunications landscape in Pakistan, I am confident that together, we will continue to shape the country’s digital future.”

Reflecting on his tenure, Khurrum Ashfaque conveyed his gratitude. “Leading Telenor Pakistan for the past two years has been an incredible journey, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to every member of the Telenor Pakistan family,” Khurrum shared. “Their unwavering dedication, particularly through times of change, has made Telenor Pakistan an outstanding organization. Together, we haven’t just connected millions; we’ve empowered entire communities. I wish Fridtjof all the best in his new role and am confident that under his leadership, Telenor Pakistan will continue to make a profound difference in the lives of millions across Pakistan.”

This leadership transition marks an exciting phase for Telenor Pakistan as it continues its mission to connect and empower communities across the nation.