European telecom operator Tele2 says its CEO, Harri Koponen, announced is leaving "due to irreconcilable differences over leadership". Chief Financial Officer Lars Nilsson has been appointed as the interim CEO, replacing Mr Koponen who joined Tele2 in August 2008.
Stockholm-based Tele2 has 27 million customers in 10 countries through its mobile, fixed-line, data, cable TV and broadband content services.
Vigo Carlund, Chairman of Tele2's Board of Directors, said "The strategic direction of Tele2 is unchanged. Lars Nilsson and the Executive Board have the full support of the Board of Directors to continue its successful execution. The Board would like to thank Harri Koponen for his contribution to Tele2. Together with the management team he managed to successfully complete the realignment of the operations and to confirm the strategic priorities for Tele2. He has continued to develop the company's focus on mobile services and further established Tele2's emerging market footprint in Russia and the CIS."