Christian Luiga will remain as acting president and CEO until Kirkby’s tenure begins and will then return to his role as executive vice president and CFO of Telia Company.
Kirkby enters the role having previously served as group CEO and president of TDC Group, as was announced in February of this year.
“Telia Company’s Board of Directors is today very happy and proud to announce that Allison will become president and CEO of Telia Company. Allison possesses all the qualities that has been on our list of requirements during the recruitment process. She has a solid industry experience from both telecom and media, a strong drive to implement change, a visionary approach and a strong focus on growth,” says Marie Ehrling, chair of the board at Telia Company. “Furthermore, Allison has in her career shown a powerful leadership that engages and inspires. That is a prerequisite to successfully implement the formative changes that Telia Company is currently undergoing with regards to new business models, new ways of working and rapid technology development. Allison will drive Telia Company further in the company’s ambition to be the leading operator in the Nordics and Baltics.”
Recruitment for the position started back in August with the help of an external recruitment firm. With the search criteria determined through interviews with the members of the nomination committee, members of the board and members of Telia Company's Group executive management. As a result, a selection of suitable candidates in the Nordics and internationally was made.
“I’m delighted and extremely honoured to be appointed president and CEO of Telia Company,” says Kirkby. “Given its unique assets, scale and leadership position, Telia Company has the ability to be a role model for the global telco industry and bring the benefits of digitalisation to all its stakeholders, especially its customers and owners. I am really looking forward to getting to know the Telia team as we work together to take Telia Company forward.”
Telia’s incoming chair of the Board, Lars-Johan Jarnheimer, has been in contact with Allison during the week and has confirmed that he fully supports her appointment.
