Jon Fredrik Baksaas held the position of president and CEO of Telenor for 13 years, serving from June 2002 until August 2015. Throughout this tenure, he established himself as a prominent executive in international telecommunications and Norwegian business, maintaining a professional presence in the sector for over two decades after joining the company in 1989.
Early Career and Education
Born in Skien, Norway, in 1954, Baksaas pursued formal academic training at the Norwegian School of Economics, where he earned a Master of Science degree. He furthered his qualifications with executive education at the IMD Business School located in Lausanne, Switzerland. Before his long-term tenure at Telenor, he held financial leadership roles as a CFO at Aker ASA, Stolt-Nielsen Seaway, and Det Norske Veritas.
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Upon joining Telenor in 1989, Baksaas moved through several senior positions, including executive vice president, CFO, and deputy CEO. His promotion to president and CEO in 2002 marked the beginning of a significant period for the firm. During his time as an executive, he also contributed to industry oversight, including serving as chairman of the GSMA until 2016.
VimpelCom Scandal and Advisory Roles
Baksaas concluded his leadership at Telenor in August 2015 under circumstances linked to a bribery and corruption investigation. As a director at VimpelCom, he was implicated in a scandal involving the acquisition of wireless licenses in Uzbekistan. Despite this, he continues to operate within the business sector, currently serving as a special adviser to the Group Executive Management team at Telenor and holding board memberships at Svenska Handelsbanken and VimpelCom.
Fast facts
- Born: 1954, Skien, Norway
- Education: Norwegian School of Economics
- Telenor CEO Tenure: 2002-2015
- Former Chairman: GSMA
- Board Member: Svenska Handelsbanken
- Current Role: Special adviser to Telenor Group Executive Management
Questions readers ask
What is the primary professional background of Jon Fredrik Baksaas?
He is a Norwegian businessman and entrepreneur who served as a long-term CEO of Telenor.
Was Baksaas involved in any corporate investigations?
Yes, he was a primary actor in a bribery and corruption scandal at VimpelCom related to wireless license purchases in Uzbekistan.
Achievements
- Educated at Norwegian School of Economics
