EUROPE what we would like to change , and this next step for us to become a trusted advisor is going to be key .”
Malik is confident , though , that change is afoot , and he believes the reborn VEON can be a pioneer for this new methodology and way of thinking across the industry .
It ’ s not going to happen overnight , but it has begun . Malik is leading the charge at a company in a prime position to succeed . It refers to the countries it serves as the ‘ markets of the future ’ and with its huge , diverse team and bold technology strategy it aims to make a dramatic impact .
“ Now it ’ s not just a concept or a vision , there are actions to back it up ,” he says . “ I think that whole transformation on network , customer angle , complete ID transformation , and bringing data to customers ’ lives will really give birth to a datadriven company culture . In fact , that ’ s happening right now as we speak . In 12-to-18 months , I think it ’ s no longer going to be green shoots we ’ re talking about , it ’ s going to be the new harvest brought by this change .
“ It ’ s hard for me to comment on the strategies of other companies , but I do understand there are complexities when you ’ re sitting on a huge legacy infrastructure skillset , and on revenues that you do not transform too swiftly . You need to be careful , and passionate , so it will very much depend if other telcos have the similar kind of pioneering spirit as us . “ There are a couple of examples in Asia and the US where companies are really changing with a huge vision of conquering the next horizon as well . Otherwise you will be a commodity . You will perhaps be essential to the market , but you will not be a differentiator .”
By now VEON ’ s offices , gleaming in the heart of Amsterdam ’ s burgeoning Zuidas business district , will be resplendent in its final livery . After we talk , Malik heads straight to the airport for a flight to Algeria . He has the look of a man who ’ s delivering the future personally . www . gigabit . net 47