10 April 2025

Veon Group has announced the appointment of Johan Buse, the consumer chief from Singapore-based telecommunications operator StarHub, as the new CEO of its Banglalink unit. This strategic move aims to bolster Veon’s digital expansion efforts in emerging markets.

With a robust background in telecommunications, Buse brings decades of experience to his new role. He previously held positions at Deutsche Telekom in the Netherlands and Croatia, as well as senior roles at AXIS, SingTel, and Ooredoo Group, where he served as the chief commercial officer of Ooredoo Oman. Before joining Banglalink, he spent over six years at StarHub leading its Consumer Business Group.

Buse is set to take the helm at Banglalink on 6 April, succeeding Erik Aas, who is stepping down after a noteworthy nine-year tenure to explore new opportunities.
Veon Group CEO Kaan Terzioğlu expressed confidence in Buse’s ability to contribute to the company’s growth, stating that his extensive experience positions him well to advance digital initiatives in Bangladesh. Terzioğlu also acknowledged Aas’s impactful leadership, noting that under his guidance, Banglalink transformed into a nationwide operator known for delivering innovative digital services.

In response to his new role, Buse highlighted Bangladesh’s potential, describing it as a market brimming with customer-centric and value-driven opportunities. He underscored the importance of enhancing the country’s digital infrastructure amidst its current transformative phase, emphasizing the need to provide citizens with essential digital and connectivity services.