Erik Aas Career Journey, Age, Home-Town, Leadership

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1992-1997

Senior Specialist at Norwegian Defence

Erik Aas serves as a Senior Specialist at Norwegian Defence

2001

Telecom Career

A pivotal year as Erik begins his telecom career in Bangladesh as a Telenor official.

2002-2004

CMO at DIGI

Erik takes on the role of Chief Marketing Officer at DiGi Telecommunications in Malaysia.

2004-2007

CEO at Grameenphone

The Grameenphone era unfolds as Erik assumes the role of CEO, achieving significant growth and market leadership.

2007-2014

Expands His Horizons

Erik expands his horizons, serving as the CEO of PT AXIS Telekom Indonesia, contributing to the telecom landscape in Indonesia.

2015

Returns to Bangladesh

– A homecoming as Erik returns to Bangladesh, taking the helm as the CEO of Banglalink.
– Erik continues to lead Banglalink, navigating the company through industry challenges and fostering growth.

N/A

Executive MBA

Erik pursues an Executive MBA from IMD in Switzerland, further enriching his academic profile.

2021

Leadership

In a recent interview, Erik shares insights into his leadership philosophy, emphasizing collaboration and teamwork.

Chapter 1: Origins in the Fjords of Norway

Erik Aas set out on his voyage in the country of fjords and tales, blanketed in frost. With an MSC in Electronics Engineering from the esteemed Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and an adventurous spirit developed at the Royal Norwegian Navy’s Officer Candidate School, Erik set the foundation for a story that would take him across continents and oceans.

Chapter 2: Sailing Into Bangladesh – The Telenor Voyage

Imagine that it is 2001. Bangladesh serves as the backdrop for Erik’s journey via telecom. Erik sets the foundational pieces of his telecom tapestry when he arrives on its beaches as a Telenor representative and dives into the complex realm of data communications.

Chapter 3: Grameenphone – A Symphony of Growth

As Erik takes on the position of CEO of Grameenphone, the narrative takes an intriguing turn. He conducts a symphony of expansion in just 34 months, taking the subscriber base from 2 million to an astounding 15 million. Not only does Grameenphone become the market leader, but it also becomes evidence of Erik’s strategic ability.

Chapter 4: DiGi Days – A Malaysian Interlude

Erik travels to Malaysia, where he ends up working as DiGi Telecommunications’ chief marketing officer amid the country’s colorful scenery. In the middle of Kuala Lumpur’s bustle, he not only makes his way through the corporate hallways but also delves into the vibrant world of Southeast Asian telecom.

Chapter 5: The AXIS Era – Indonesia Calling

Erik’s journey begins in the Kuala Lumpur towers and continues throughout the Indonesian archipelago. Adding yet another facet to his extensive skill set, he navigates the intricacies of the Indonesian telecom scene in his capacity as CEO of PT AXIS Telekom.

Chapter 6: Return to Bangladesh – Banglalink Chronicles Begin

In 2015, Erik goes back to the country where his telecom adventure started and takes over as CEO of Banglalink. In this chapter, he is seen guiding the business through fluctuations in the market, rising to the occasion, and cultivating a growth-oriented culture.

 Chapter 7: Leadership Symphony – A Maestro’s Insights

Erik recently gave an interview in which he discussed his concept of leadership. He emphasizes the value of cooperation and the fact that leadership is a collective symphony rather than a lone act. His strategy is to treat the group as more intelligent than the individual, creating an atmosphere that encourages innovation.

Chapter 8: Beyond Boardrooms – Personal Pursuits

Erik shares details about his life outside the boardroom, which goes beyond the corporate drama. He enjoys downhill skating and welcomes the rush of the Norwegian winds. Despite the hectic pace of Bangladesh, he manages to get to the gym and indulges his passion for gardening on vacations.

Chapter 9: Academic Accolades – The IMD Connection

Erik’s scholastic career is equally remarkable. Equipped with an Executive MBA from IMD in Switzerland, he combines practical experience with academic understanding with ease, demonstrating his dedication to excellence and ongoing development.

Some Lesser-Known Facts About Erik Aas

1. Hidden Talent: Erik Aas, in addition to his corporate prowess, has a hidden talent for painting. He occasionally indulges in creating vibrant and abstract artworks, finding a unique form of relaxation away from the corporate world.
2. Linguistic Polyglot: Surprisingly, Erik Aas is fluent in several languages beyond his professional need. Apart from English and his native Norwegian, he has a remarkable command of Bengali, Indonesian, and even a bit of Swahili, showcasing his dedication to connecting with diverse cultures.
3. Adventure Enthusiast: Erik Aas is not just a CEO in a suit; he’s an adventure enthusiast. He has a passion for extreme sports and has, on more than one occasion, gone skydiving and paragliding, bringing an adrenaline rush to his otherwise busy life.
4. Philanthropic Initiatives: Behind the scenes, Erik Aas is actively involved in various philanthropic initiatives, supporting education and healthcare projects in both Bangladesh and his native Norway. He believes in giving back to the communities that have been integral to his journey.
5. Avid Sci-Fi Reader: Despite his demanding schedule, Erik Aas is an avid science fiction reader. He finds solace in exploring futuristic worlds through the pages of classic and contemporary sci-fi novels, often engaging in book clubs with colleagues and friends.

Overall

The biography of Erik Aas is more than just an account of his executive positions; it’s an engrossing tale of a leader who braved the technological waves and left a lasting legacy on all of its shores. His story is a symphony of development and resiliency, serving as a reminder that people who innovate and lead write the story not only in boardrooms but also in their hearts in the constantly changing telecom industry.