Tele2 AB has announced the appointment of Jean-Marc Harion as its new President and CEO, effective from November 10, 2024. Harion currently serves as the CEO of the Polish telecom operator Play and is also a member of Tele2’s Board of Directors.
With over 25 years of experience in the telecommunications sector, Harion brings a wealth of expertise from various markets and corporate structures. He has held leadership roles in both incumbent and challenger companies, showcasing his ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments. Most notably, he has served as CEO at Play Poland, where he successfully grew the company from a challenger position to amassing 15 million customers, leading the market in mobile services and securing the second position in fixed communications.
Thomas Reynaud, Chairman of the Board at Tele2, expressed confidence in Harion’s ability to lead the company through its ongoing digital transformation. “We are very pleased to welcome Jean-Marc Harion as the new CEO. Tele2 is undergoing a significant digital transformation, and the Board and I are confident that he is the right person to accelerate this change and lead the company into the future,” Reynaud stated. He emphasised Harion’s proven track record in enhancing operations, balancing investments, and implementing focused distribution strategies across different markets.
In response to his appointment, Harion expressed his excitement and honour at taking on the role. “As a member of the Board, I have had the chance to meet people and learn about the company in the past months,” he said. “Tele2 is a worldwide reference for telcos and has a unique challenger culture. We will channel this energy in the right direction to build on the strong brands, continue improving customer experience, and accelerate our growth.”
Harion holds a Master’s degree from the Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris, along with a Master’s and a postgraduate degree from the Université Libre de Bruxelles. His extensive career includes previous roles as CEO of Orange Egypt, Mobistar in Belgium, and Orange Dominicana (now Altice). He also served as VP of Business Development for the Americas at Orange, based in New York, and is the founder of Computer Channel.
Jean-Marc Harion’s appointment comes after the announcement by the current CEO, Kjell Johnsen, on September 4 that he intends to leave the company. Johnsen will remain in his position until Harion officially takes over on November 10, ensuring a smooth transition for the company.
With Harion at the helm, Tele2 aims to strengthen its position as a leading telecom operator while enhancing its commitment to digital transformation and customer service. As the telecommunications landscape continues to evolve, Harion’s leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Tele2 and its operations in the industry. For latest news and definitions of measures, please see our homepage www.tele2.com
