Maxis has hired Morten Lundal, the former boss at rival DiGi Malaysia, as its new chief executive from October 1. He will also be appointed to the company’s board as an executive director.
Lundal is no stranger to the Malaysia mobile market. He was chief executive of Digi between 2004 and 2008, and was instrumental in instituting various changes crucial to the cellco’s transformation and growth. During his tenure, DiGi’s mobile revenue market share, earnings and share price increased significantly.
“We are confident that we have identified the right person,” said Raja Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Arshad bin Raja Tun Uda, chairman of the board of Maxis.
“He has demonstrated the ability to take bold steps and make radical changes to align an organization to anticipated changes in the industry and consumer demand. We particularly welcome his focus on innovation and management development.”
Maxis has been searching for a new head since May, after Sandip Das' successor, Johan Dennelind, was unable to assume the post.
Since then Maxis has relied on joint-chief operating officers Nasution Mohamed and Suren J Amarasekera to manage the company.
Lundal is currently group chief marketing officer at British mobile giant Vodafone Group, a position he held since 2010, and prior to that regional chief executive of eight operating companies in Central Europe and Africa. He joined Vodafone from DiGi Malaysia in 2008.
Lundal joined Nordic mobile operator Telenor in 1997 and held several chief executive positions including the internet division and business solutions unit, as well as the position of executive vice president for corporate strategy.
He holds a Master of Business Administration from IMD Lausanne and a Master of Business and Economics from the Norwegian School of Management (BI).