Telecom has power to change people's life, says CEO of Axiata (Bangladesh)
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
FE Report
Telecommunication is an industry that has the power to change people's life. Since its early age more than 150 years back and with tremendous acceleration in the last 10 years, this industry has improved the life of billions of individuals across the globe.
Michael Kuehner, Managing Director and CEO, Axiata (Bangladesh) Ltd expressed this view in an interview with The Financial Express.
Replying to a question on the inspiration to join the telecommunication industry, he said it was such a good feeling to be part of it.
"Although career planning is a popular topic in management literature, I believe that most successful careers are not really planned, but a journey where ambitious personalities follow a string of opportunities that allows them to do what they are good in and enjoy doing. But being in the sector since now more than 15 years I feel proud and happy," he said.
With about 30 years of international experience in the telecommunications and IT industry, Michael, a German by birth and Asian by choice, is an experienced leader with a strong track record in growing businesses.
In his current role as the Chief Executive Officer of Axiata (Bangladesh) Ltd., Michael is leading Aktel towards a stronger position in the Telecommunication market as an admired Service Provider that enhances in a meaningful way the life of Bangladeshis.
Asia has a strong influence on him.
Mentioning his best experience on the job in Asia regions, Michael said his service lasted for more than 10 years in Asia.
"Japan and Korea are very advanced countries in regards to Telecommunication, Malaysia is a developed market and last but not least India and Bangladesh as emerging markets," he said.
He further added although there are many substantial differences, what they have all in common is a vibrant, dynamic economy, huge amounts of opportunity and people that are eager, smart, committed and ambitious. Professionalism and customer service orientation is of the highest level.
"So my best experience, on the job in Asia, are the people I had the privilege and pleasure to work with," Michael said.
Replying to another question on his accomplishment, he said he was able to build strong and successful teams across the globe in different cultural environments. The most exciting to me is to see a future leader emerging and coach and support him in growing and becoming successful.
Interactions with people, customer, employees, stakeholders are energizing and enjoyable to him but he is not so keen in meetings and lengthy discussions and planning exercises.
Born in Frankfurt, Germany and moved out of the family home at the age of 18, he completed study and started professional career in Cologne.
Michael Kuehner carried out his role as the Head of India/Nepal Sub-region for Nokia Siemens Networks after overseeing the Nokia Siemens Network business in Japan and Korea since April 1, 2007.
Telecommunication is an industry that has the power to change people's life. Since its early age more than 150 years back and with tremendous acceleration in the last 10 years, this industry has improved the life of billions of individuals across the globe.
Michael Kuehner, Managing Director and CEO, Axiata (Bangladesh) Ltd expressed this view in an interview with The Financial Express.
Replying to a question on the inspiration to join the telecommunication industry, he said it was such a good feeling to be part of it.
"Although career planning is a popular topic in management literature, I believe that most successful careers are not really planned, but a journey where ambitious personalities follow a string of opportunities that allows them to do what they are good in and enjoy doing. But being in the sector since now more than 15 years I feel proud and happy," he said.
With about 30 years of international experience in the telecommunications and IT industry, Michael, a German by birth and Asian by choice, is an experienced leader with a strong track record in growing businesses.
In his current role as the Chief Executive Officer of Axiata (Bangladesh) Ltd., Michael is leading Aktel towards a stronger position in the Telecommunication market as an admired Service Provider that enhances in a meaningful way the life of Bangladeshis.
Asia has a strong influence on him.
Mentioning his best experience on the job in Asia regions, Michael said his service lasted for more than 10 years in Asia.
"Japan and Korea are very advanced countries in regards to Telecommunication, Malaysia is a developed market and last but not least India and Bangladesh as emerging markets," he said.
He further added although there are many substantial differences, what they have all in common is a vibrant, dynamic economy, huge amounts of opportunity and people that are eager, smart, committed and ambitious. Professionalism and customer service orientation is of the highest level.
"So my best experience, on the job in Asia, are the people I had the privilege and pleasure to work with," Michael said.
Replying to another question on his accomplishment, he said he was able to build strong and successful teams across the globe in different cultural environments. The most exciting to me is to see a future leader emerging and coach and support him in growing and becoming successful.
Interactions with people, customer, employees, stakeholders are energizing and enjoyable to him but he is not so keen in meetings and lengthy discussions and planning exercises.
Born in Frankfurt, Germany and moved out of the family home at the age of 18, he completed study and started professional career in Cologne.
Michael Kuehner carried out his role as the Head of India/Nepal Sub-region for Nokia Siemens Networks after overseeing the Nokia Siemens Network business in Japan and Korea since April 1, 2007.