Turkish Executive Burak Ozer Appointed as VEON’s New CFO

Global telecom giant VEON continues to strengthen its leadership team with Turkish executives. After appointing Kaan Terzioglu, a former Turkcell CEO, as its Group CEO, the Amsterdam-based company has now named Burak Ozer as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Ozer will oversee the management of nearly $10 billion in assets and contribute to the company’s financial strategies.

Turkish Executive Burak Ozer Appointed as VEON’s New CFO
Turkish Executive Burak Ozer Appointed as VEON’s New CFO

VEON, which provides communication services and digital solutions to over 210 million customers across nine countries, operates in key markets such as Bangladesh, Ukraine, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan. As the company seeks to expand its global reach, Burak Ozer’s appointment is expected to play a significant role in enhancing its financial management and market positioning. Commenting on the appointment, Kaan Terzioglu stated, "I warmly welcome Burak to the VEON Leadership Team. His extensive international experience and proven track record will be invaluable as we reposition our presence in the exciting frontier markets we serve."

Ozer’s Career and International Expertise

Bringing over 27 years of extensive international experience in finance, Burak Ozer began his career at Xerox, where he held several key financial roles in both the United States and the United Kingdom. He later served as Xerox Turkey’s General Manager, demonstrating leadership in operational and financial strategies. His expertise in managing large-scale financial portfolios aligns with VEON’s focus on optimizing its assets and driving sustainable growth in emerging markets.

Prominent Figures on VEON’s Board

One of VEON’s distinguishing features is its diverse and high-profile board of directors. Among its members is Mike Pompeo, the former CIA Director and U.S. Secretary of State under Donald Trump’s administration. Serving as the head of the CIA from 2017 to 2018, Pompeo later assumed the role of Secretary of State during Trump’s presidency. His presence on the board adds a unique geopolitical perspective to the company’s global strategies.

With headquarters in Amsterdam, VEON operates under renowned brand names such as Beeline, Jazz, Jazz Cash, Kyivstar, Djezzy, Banglalink, and Toffee. Its annual revenue stands at $3.7 billion, with a workforce exceeding 17,000 employees.

A New Era for VEON’s Leadership

The inclusion of Burak Ozer in VEON’s leadership team signifies a strategic move to leverage his deep financial acumen and international insights. Alongside Kaan Terzioglu, another experienced Turkish executive, Ozer’s leadership is anticipated to enhance VEON’s operations in emerging markets. This marks a new chapter for the company as it navigates the complexities of the global telecom sector.

As a publicly traded company on the Nasdaq, VEON continues to position itself as a prominent player in the telecom industry. The company’s financial performance and leadership decisions will remain under close scrutiny as it strives for innovation and expansion in competitive markets.