Khairil Abdullah goes global, joins Dutch-based VEON leadership as CEO of VEON Ventures

• Joins from Axiata Group where he was CEO of Axiata Digital Services 
• Brings deep expertise in growing,developing digital assets, profound knowledge of telcos 

VEON Ltd. (VEON), a global provider of connectivity and internet services, has announced that Mohammad Khairil Abdullah will join the VEON Group as chief executive officer (CEO) of VEON Ventures.

Khairil is currently with the Axiata Group, a leading mobile operator in South-East Asia. As CEO of Axiata Digital Services, he built and operated successful digital businesses in data, artificial intelligence, fintech and system integration, while securing attractive venture capital opportunities and relevant external funding. Prior to arriving at Axiata in 2012 as group chief marketing and operations officer, Khairil was at Bain & Company for 15 years as its telco practice managing partner for South-East Asia.

Gennady Gazin, VEON's chairman, said he is pleased to welcome Khairil as the Ventures CEO as he brings world class experience and expertise to a key area for VEON's success.

"With Khairil at the helm we will accelerate our focus on digital ventures, pushing JazzCash, Toffee and ShopUp to the next level, as well as other great initiatives in Ukraine, Kazakhstan and across VEON's footprint. Khairil and his team will continue to focus on our key mission: deliver strong shareholder value by building and monetizing outstanding assets," he said.

Kaan Terzioğlu, VEON's CEO said Ventures is one of the three main vectors of growth and value generation which the company presents at its Investor Day.

"Khairil will contribute to the success of our Group’s ambitions with his deep expertise in growing and developing digital assets, in combination with a profound knowledge of telcos, exploiting all related cross-synergies while pursuing high-growth opportunities with the flexibility offered by a dedicated company."

Khairil's new appointment will be effective from March 1st, 2022. He will be based in Amsterdam, jointly with the Group leadership team.