Axiata Group’s Dr Hans Wijayasuriya will relinquish role in Jan 2025 to lead Sri Lanka’s digital transformation
By Digital News Asia November 1, 2024
- Spent over 30 years with Axiata and its predecessor, Telekom Malaysia
- Attributes every learning to colleagues, past and present, across Axiata Group
Axiata Group Bhd announced that Dr Hans Wijayasuriya (pic), CEO of Telecommunications Business and Group Executive Director has been invited by the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) to lead the country’s digital economy agenda in the capacity of Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy and other related leadership roles.
Wijayasuriya has duly accepted the invitation and has communicated his decision to step down from his role at Axiata Group with effect from 15 Jan 2025. The Board of Directors of Axiata have accepted his decision. During the interim period Wijayasuriya’s responsibilities to Axiata will continue, including the execution of a transition program while he makes himself available for GoSL’s digital transformation initiatives on an advisory and non-executive basis. Axiata will announce any further changes at the appropriate time.
Wijayasuriya has spent over 30 years with Axiata and its predecessor, Telekom Malaysia. A member of Axiata’s Board of Directors in the capacity of Group Executive Director, Wijayasuriya heads the pan-region telecommunications operations of the Group spanning the markets of Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Cambodia.
Wijayasuriya also served on the Board of Directors of the GSMA, the governing body of the global mobile industry. An active contributor and champion of technology as well as developmental advancements in the mobile industry, Wijayasuriya was honoured with the GSMA Chairman’s Award in 2024, the highest recognition by GSMA, for his outstanding contributions to the global mobile industry.
Sharil Ridza Ridzuan, Chairman of Axiata said “In his 30 years with the Group, Dr Hans Wijayasuriya has been a pivotal force in shaping the company’s strategic direction. He has also played an integral role in nurturing a deep reservoir of talent within the organisation. The Axiata Board congratulates Dr Hans Wijayasuriya on his appointment and is confident that his visionary leadership will contribute to Sri Lanka’s digital future.”
Vivek Sood (pic), Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Axiata said, “It is a great honour and source of pride for Axiata that one of our senior leaders has been selected to join the government of Sri Lanka in a highly influential role, contributing to the transformation of the country's digital economy. His extensive expertise in telecommunications, technology transformation, and digitisation will bring tremendous value to Sri Lanka.”
Vivek noted that Wijayasuriya has been instrumental in advancing Axiata’s Telco-TechCo agenda and strengthening its portfolio with the aim of delivering long-term value to shareholders.
Wijayasuriya, said, “It has been an honour and privilege to be part of Axiata’s journey over the past decades. I am honoured by the invitation extended to me by the Government of Sri Lanka, and I stand privileged to have the opportunity to contribute to my country. As I embark on this new chapter, I am deeply aware that every learning I possess, I owe to leadership and colleagues, past and present, from across the Axiata Group. To them, I will always be grateful.”
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