In brief
Axiata Group Berhad has appointed Patrick Forth as an independent non-executive director, effective immediately, the company announced in Kuala Lumpur. Forth is a senior advisor at Boston Consulting Group and previously served on its global leadership team, where he led the Technology, Media and Telecommunications practice. Axiata says his experience advising telecommunications and technology businesses on strategy, artificial intelligence, digital change and operations will support the company’s strategic priorities, including its Telco-to-TechCo transition. Chairman Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan said Forth’s background aligns with those priorities, while Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Vivek Sood highlighted his knowledge of technology, innovation and telecoms. Axiata describes itself as a telecommunications and digital group operating across Southeast and South Asia.
Key takeaways
- Patrick Forth joins Axiata’s board as an independent non-executive director, effective immediately.
- Forth previously led Boston Consulting Group’s Technology, Media and Telecommunications practice as part of its global leadership team.
- Axiata says his experience will contribute to its Telco-to-TechCo transition and strategic focus on AI and disruptive technology.
KUALA LUMPUR, April 2, 2025 -- Axiata Group Berhad (“Axiata” or the “Group”) has appointed Patrick Forth as an Independent Non-Executive Director (“INED”), effective immediately.
Patrick, a respected business leader and strategic advisor, brings extensive expertise in digital disruption, AI-driven transformation and the telecommunications sector. Currently a senior advisor with Boston Consulting Group (“BCG”), he was formerly a member of BCG’s global leadership team, leading its Technology, Media and Telecommunications (“TMT”) practice.
Patrick has advised leading TMT corporations and fast-growing disruptive technologies companies on leadership, strategy, disruptive technologies, Artificial Intelligence (“AI”), digital transformation, operational excellence and market growth in both developed and emerging markets. These include leading global and regional telecommunications companies.
With a proven track record of driving transformation and strategic expansion, Patrick’s appointment to Axiata’s Board of Directors will further strengthen the Group’s ability in new emerging and disruptive technology, AI, and advance its Telco-to-TechCo transition. Patrick’s global perspective and leadership will be invaluable in steering Axiata towards continued success as a converged connectivity group.
Commentaries
Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, Chairman of Axiata, said, “Patrick’s proven leadership in technology and customer-focused companies perfectly aligns with our strategic priorities. His deep industry expertise will further strengthen our Board and reinforce our commitment to value creation, operational excellence, and future-proofing Axiata in an evolving digital landscape. We are very pleased to welcome him to the Board of Directors and look forward to his valuable contributions.”
Vivek Sood, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Axiata, said, “Patrick's deep understanding of technology, innovation and operations will be instrumental in our strategic shift towards converged connectivity and our Telco-to-TechCo transition. His understanding of business models using AI and disruptive technology, combined with his understanding of the telecoms industry will further strengthen our leadership in our footprint markets.”
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About Axiata
In pursuit of its vision to be The Next Generation Digital Champion, Axiata is a diversified telecommunications and digital conglomerate operating Digital Telcos, Digital Businesses and Infrastructure businesses across a footprint spanning Southeast and South Asia.
The Group has controlling stakes in market-leading mobile and fixed operators in the region including 'XL’ and ‘Link Net' in Indonesia, 'Dialog' in Sri Lanka, 'Robi' in Bangladesh, and 'Smart' in Cambodia while 'CelcomDigi' in Malaysia is a Key Associate Company. Axiata’s regional digital business verticals comprise ‘Boost’ a fintech company, and ‘ADA’, a digital analytics and AI company. 'EDOTCO' is among the top 10 independent TowerCos globally, operating in nine countries to deliver telecommunications infrastructure services.
As a committed and long-term investor, the Group actively supports and drives young talent development; community outreach; as well as climate change initiatives. Axiata's broader goal of Advancing Asia aims to piece together the best in the region in terms of innovation, connectivity and talent to drive digital inclusion and sustainable progress across our markets. Find out more at www.axiata.com
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Axiata Group Berhad
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Questions around this news
Who is Patrick Forth, and what experience does he bring to the board?
Patrick Forth is a senior advisor at Boston Consulting Group and formerly served on its global leadership team, leading its Technology, Media and Telecommunications practice. The release says he has advised telecommunications and technology companies on strategy, leadership, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, operational excellence and growth in developed and emerging markets.
Why was Patrick Forth appointed to the board?
The release says his experience in telecommunications, artificial intelligence and disruptive technologies is intended to strengthen the board’s expertise. Company leaders also said his background supports the group’s strategic shift toward converged connectivity and its Telco-to-TechCo transition, as well as priorities such as operational excellence and adapting to changes in the digital landscape.
What is an independent non-executive director?
An independent non-executive director serves on a company’s board without taking part in its daily management. Independence generally means the director is considered free of relationships or interests that could materially interfere with objective judgment. Such directors contribute oversight, challenge management’s proposals and help consider the interests of the company and its stakeholders.
What does a Telco-to-TechCo transition mean?
A Telco-to-TechCo transition describes a telecommunications company broadening its focus beyond traditional connectivity services. It may involve developing technology-enabled services, digital platforms or data capabilities alongside network operations. The precise scope varies by company; the phrase signals a strategic direction rather than a standardized business model or a guarantee of particular changes.
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