Yasir Azman Biography, Age, CEO Journey, Wiki & More

Bangladesh’s largest mobile network provider is being led to new heights by its innovative CEO, Yasir Azman, who is at the forefront of the country’s telecoms scene. He has demonstrated his leadership skills, strategic vision, and steadfast dedication to enabling societies through digital connectivity on his journey from a young entrepreneur to the first Bangladeshi CEO of Grameenphone.

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Category	Details
Full Name	Yasir Azman
Nickname	N/A
Birthplace	Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Birthday	Date of birth not provided (Please verify for accuracy)
Age Now	48 (May Not be Accurate)
Home Town	Dhaka
Current Town	Not provided
Residency	Not provided
Religion	Islam
Occupation	CEO of Grameenphone

Early Life and Education

Yasir Azman was influenced by his father, Saleh Chowdhury, who was a renowned journalist and the head of the Commonwealth Association for Journalists. Yasir Azman was born and raised in Dhanmondi, a bustling neighborhood in Dhaka. Kakoli High School laid the groundwork for Azman’s education, and Dhaka College provided his upper secondary education.

He attended National University in quest of education, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. But Azman’s academic career peaked in 1997–1999 when he received his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Dhaka University’s esteemed Institution of Business Administration (IBA) during the academic year. Azman’s journey into the fields of business and leadership began with this academic achievement.

Azman participated in executive education programs with the London Business School and INSEAD, France, demonstrating his passion for knowledge outside traditional bounds. These encounters prepared the way for a profession focused on lifelong learning and flexibility in response to the ever-changing corporate environment.

Maverick: Introducing Entrepreneurship

Yasir Azman’s MBA education at IBA sparked the entrepreneurial drive that makes him who he is. He was a co-founder of Maverick, a small technology and education company, with his peers. Azman and his colleagues managed the difficulties of managing a startup in addition to their education, even with the rigorous requirements of the IBA program.

Azman believes his experience with Maverick to be among the most formative of his career since it gave him great insights about managing people, office management, and sales. Azman’s early prowess as a business inventor was demonstrated by the startup’s success, which paved the way for his subsequent leadership roles.

Embarking on a Professional Odyssey

Yasir Azman’s career trajectory, which spanned several businesses and regions after receiving his MBA, helped him shape his diversified skill set. His first experience in the business world was a brief internship at ANZ Grindlays Bank, where he quickly worked his way up to the position of officer.

When Azman joined British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB) in 1999, he made the move into the retail sector. During this time, Azman’s competence in strategic business functions was established through his involvement in sales, distribution, and trade marketing.

In 2004, Azman’s career path expanded globally as he took part in an exchange program with Pakistan Tobacco Company (PTC). His grasp of company operations in various areas was expanded during this three-month assignment, which also gave his professional repertoire a worldwide perspective.

Grameenphone: An Important Turning Point

Yasir Azman’s career took a dramatic turn in 2007 when he was appointed Head of Distribution and Logistics at Grameenphone, the top mobile network operator in Bangladesh. His significant leadership at the head of a massive telecom company that will support Bangladesh’s digital transformation began with this.

Grameenphone’s sales and distribution organization was significantly shaped by Azman, who also helped to change the corporation’s distribution model. His leadership qualities and strategic vision brought him prominence within the company and paved the way for more advancements.

Leadership Acumen Sharpening Through Executive Education

In a field where technology is advancing quickly, Azman saw the value of ongoing education while working at Grameenphone. He enrolled in London Business School executive programs to improve his leadership skills. By making this educational investment, Azman demonstrated his dedication to keeping up with international business trends and using creative approaches to propel Grameenphone’s development.

Uninor India: A Quick Trip

Yasir Azman’s career path took him to Uninor India in 2009, where he was appointed Executive Vice President and Circle Business Head for the Orissa Region. Managing operations and promoting company expansion in a fast-paced market were among his duties. Because of his outstanding work, Azman received several promotions, the most recent of which was to become Executive Vice President and Circle Business Head for the Karnataka Region.

This stage of Azman’s career demonstrated his ability to maneuver through a variety of markets and adjust to the unique difficulties posed by India’s telecom environment. His accomplishments at Uninor India cemented his standing as a results-oriented CEO with an international outlook.

Telenor Group: A Position of Global Leadership

With his appointment as Group Head of Distribution and E-Business Markets at Telenor Group, Yasir Azman’s rise in the telecom sector expanded to a global level. Based at Telenor’s Oslo, Norway headquarters, this appointment put Azman at the center of the company’s international activities.

Azman demonstrated his ability to maneuver through intricate, global environments while serving as Group Head, where he handled distribution and e-business activities across multiple nations. His strategic efforts caused a ripple effect throughout the Telenor network, solidifying his reputation as a leader who enjoys spearheading revolutionary change.

Chief Marketing Officer, Grameenphone Redux

Yasir Azman joined Grameenphone again in June 2015, but now he serves as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). At a pivotal point in its development, Grameenphone’s return home allowed the company to better match its plans with Bangladesh’s emerging digital ecosystem.

Azman was crucial in helping Grameenphone transform into a high-achieving, digitally-focused company in his capacity as CMO. In an industry that was changing quickly, his strategic insights into consumer behavior and market dynamics helped Grameenphone remain relevant.

Deputy CEO: Handling Leadership Difficulties

As Azman assumed the position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO), his career at Grameenphone continued to rise. This promotion was a result of both his personal accomplishments and the leadership of the company believing in him. Azman helped lead Grameenphone during a period of significant digital change in his capacity as DCEO.

As part of his diverse duties, he oversaw everything from the organization’s operational effectiveness to strategic plans meant to keep Grame

Enphone’s standing as a front-runner in the sector. Throughout his stint as Deputy CEO, Azman’s innovative and pragmatic leadership style emerged as a defining characteristic of the organization.

The Chief Executive Officer of Grameenphone

Yasir Azman was named the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Grameenphone, starting February 1, 2020, marking a significant milestone for the company and Bangladesh’s telecom industry. Since Grameenphone’s founding, Azman has been the company’s CEO, making this appointment a historic one.

As CEO, Azman took the helm of the company during a critical juncture in the telecom sector. The “Digital Bangladesh” he envisioned fit well with Grameenphone’s mission to empower communities and link its customers to what really mattered. Through cutting-edge services and technologies, Azman’s strategic orientation sought to realize the nation’s full potential.

Honoring the Legacy of Michael Foley

Michael Foley, the outgoing CEO who had held the position since May 2017, left his position concurrently with Azman’s appointment. Robust financial outcomes and a major digital revolution at Grameenphone served as markers for Foley’s legacy. As he acknowledged Foley’s efforts, Azman conveyed his appreciation for his predecessor’s crucial role in determining Grameenphone’s course.

Leadership Endorsement: Petter-Børre Furberg’s Perspective

Yasir Azman’s leadership skills have been praised by Petter-Børre Furberg, Chairman of Grameenphone’s Board of Directors. Furberg emphasized the historic significance of Azman being the first homegrown CEO of Grameenphone, highlighting Azman’s ascent through the ranks of Grameenphone and Telenor Group.

Visionary Leadership Style

Combining operational savvy, strategic vision, and in-depth knowledge of the telecom industry, Yasir Azman’s leadership style is distinctive. He has demonstrated a dedication to innovation, digitization, and customer-centricity throughout his time as CEO—qualities necessary for negotiating the complexity of the sector.

Azman’s focus on a “Digital Bangladesh” fits with the larger idea of using technology to improve society and give people more control. Under his direction, Grameenphone keeps on being a major player in influencing Bangladesh’s digital story by fostering innovation in technology, social connectivity, and economic growth.

Some Lesser-Known Facts

1. Educational Background:
   • Yasir Azman completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Institution of Business Administration (IBA) at Dhaka University during the 1997-1999 academic session.
2. Early Entrepreneurship:
   • While pursuing his MBA at IBA, Yasir Azman, along with some peers, co-founded a small technology and education-focused company called Maverick. This early entrepreneurial experience provided valuable insights into managing people, operations, and sales.
3. International Exposure:
   • Yasir Azman attended executive education programs with the London Business School and INSEAD, France, showcasing his commitment to continuous learning and gaining international perspectives.
4. Contribution to Grameenphone’s Transformation:
   • When he joined Grameenphone in 2007 as the Head of Distribution and Logistics, Yasir Azman played a crucial role in setting up the Sales and Distribution organization, contributing to the transformation of the company’s distribution structure.
5. Recognition at Telenor Group:
   • During his tenure at Telenor Group, Yasir Azman served as the Group Head of Distribution and E-Business Markets and Vice President of Global Uninor at Telenor’s headquarters in Oslo, Norway. His contributions were recognized with promotions and responsibilities at the global level.
6. Return to Grameenphone:
   • Yasir Azman returned to Grameenphone in June 2015 as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). His return marked a significant point in his career, contributing to Grameenphone’s journey towards becoming a high-performing and digital-centric organization.
7. First Bangladeshi CEO of Grameenphone:
   • Yasir Azman made history when he was promoted to the position of CEO in May 2017, becoming the first Bangladeshi CEO of Grameenphone since its inception.
8. Advocacy for Digital Bangladesh:
   • As CEO, Yasir Azman expressed his belief in Digital Bangladesh and the vision of empowering societies. He emphasized the importance of innovation in services and technology to better serve the growing customer base.

Closing

The life story of Yasir Azman is a record of his vision, ingenuity, and commitment to advancing the telecom industry in Bangladesh. Azman’s path, which began with his early business ventures and culminated in his crucial position as CEO of Grameenphone, demonstrates a dedication to lifelong learning, flexibility, and a vision for an empowered Bangladesh through digital means. Yasir Azman is a shining example of leadership in the rapidly changing telecommunications industry as he continues to influence Grameenphone’s future and advance the country’s technical development.