Telkom appoints Jeffrey Hedberg as CEO of Multi-Links
Jeffrey Hedberg has been appointed as CEO of Multi-Links, Telkom's 100% owned subsidiary in Nigeria. The former CEO of Cell C South Africa will report to Thami Msimango, MD of Telkom International.
In welcoming Hedberg to Telkom, Group CEO Reuben September said that he was "elated to bring Hedberg on board, especially considering the latter's distinguished record for turning-around companies".
Added September: "Jeffrey's wealth of experience will prove vital to Telkom's defend and grow strategy as the Company refocuses itself to maintain its leadership position in South Africa while expanding its footprint across the African continent."
Hedberg's extensive global and domestic experience - gained in six different countries by working in the USA, Europe, Asia and South Africa - will hold him in good stead as he tackles the challenge of turning Multi-Links around.
Cited by Fortune Magazine as one of the Top 25 global executives under age 40 in 2001, Hedberg has continued to impress the business community in the competitive telecommunications industry.
The youngest and first foreigner ever elected to the Management Boards of Deutsche Telekom and Swisscom, Hedberg has consistently grown companies by improving processes, reducing costs and leading teams.
Over the past three years, Hedberg was instrumental in leading the impressive turn-around of Cell C South Africa, which he joined in May 2006.
From 1999 to 2004, Hedberg distinguished himself in senior leadership roles at Deutsche Telekom, one of the largest telecoms companies in the world.
During his five-year stint with Deutsche Telekom, Hedberg served as Executive Vice-President and Member of the Board of Management (1999-2002) and as the CEO and Chairman of Deutsche Telkom, USA (2002-2004). During his tenure, the company grew international revenues as a percentage of total Group revenues from roughly 5% to over 40%.
One of his major achievements in contributing to the repositioning and dramatic growth of Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile subsidiary was to negotiate the approval of the US government in order to successfully complete the acquisition of US subsidiary, T-Mobile. Hedberg also led the successful integration of the Company in the US market.
He also completed transactions in the emerging markets of Central and Eastern Europe and successfully met the challenges posed by turnaround situations.
From 1994 to 1998, Hedberg enjoyed a successful tenure at Swisscom, the leading telecoms provider in Switzerland, where he was the Deputy-Director for Swisscom International and Vice-President for Strategy and Acquisitions (1996-1997). He was then promoted to Executive Vice-President and Member of the Management Board (1997-1998).
Earlier in his career, Hedberg, served as a Venture Capital and Corporate Finance Analyst (Munich), a Corporate Strategy/Strategic Marketing Manager International with US-West, Inc. (Denver) and a Senior Associate for Telecommunication Industries with Coopers & Lynavbar-brand (London).
Academically, Hedberg has a Masters qualification in International Management, International Policy and International Law from the University of Denver.
"Apart from Jeffrey's exposure to and understanding of the telecommunications industry in a global context, he has also proven his effectiveness in dealing with analysts, investors, government departments and the markets. I wish him every success in all his endeavours in helping the Telkom Group realise its strategic intent with regard to the lucrative opportunities that the Nigerian market provides," concluded September.