AMSTERDAM: VEON Ltd. (NASDAQ: VEON), a leading global provider of connectivity and internet services, announced Mohammad Khairil Abdullah will join the VEON Group as Chief Executive Officer of VEON Ventures.

Mohammad Khairil Abdullah 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, becoming its telco practice managing partner for South-East Asia.

“I am pleased to welcome Khairil as our Ventures CEO. He brings world class experience and expertise to a key area for VEON’s success”, said Gennady Gazin, VEON’s Chairman.

“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. Mohammad Khairil Abdullah and his team will continue to focus on our key mission: deliver strong shareholder value by building and monetizing outstanding assets.”

 “Ventures is one of our three main vectors of growth and value generation we presented at our Investor Day”, said Kaan Terzioğlu, VEON’s Chief Executive Officer.

“Khairil will contribute to the success of our Group 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.

VEON is a NASDAQ and Euronext Amsterdam-listed global provider of connectivity and digital services. Our companies are transforming lifestyles through technology-driven services that empower opportunity in some of the world’s fastest-growing emerging markets. www.veon.com