VEON Welcomes Sebastian Rice as General Counsel
In a significant development for VEON Ltd. (NASDAQ: VEON), the company has announced the appointment of Sebastian Rice as its new General Counsel, effective from January 1, 2026. This change represents a strategic move within the organization as it enhances its leadership team.
Promotions and New Roles
This appointment comes at a vital time, as the existing Acting General Counsel, Vitaly Shmakov, transitions into the newly established role of Chief Investment Officer. He will be tasked with overseeing mergers and acquisitions, a crucial function within the expanding business landscape.
Alongside these changes, Anand Ramachandran will maintain his role as the Chief Corporate Development Officer, but with added responsibilities focused on investor relations and creating value for shareholders. Both these changes are designed to foster VEON's growth trajectory.
Sebastian Rice's Wealth of Experience
Joining VEON from Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Sebastian Rice brings over 24 years of extensive legal experience to his new post. His prior roles included Partner-in-Charge of the firm's London and Geneva offices as well as Co-Head of the Corporate Practice, positioning him as a vital asset for VEON's ambitions.
Vision and Goals
"I am excited to take on the role of General Counsel at VEON; it is an organization I have deeply respected over the years. Joining VEON's operations based in Dubai is a thrilling opportunity, and I aim to support the Group in its pursuit of innovation and efficiency," stated Rice during his appointment announcement.
VEON's Group CEO, Kaan Terzioglu, expressed optimism about the direction VEON is headed, particularly with the inclusion of Rice in the leadership team. He emphasized the importance of Rice's experience in supporting VEON's ongoing transformation into a leading digital operator.
About VEON and Its Operations
VEON is a prominent digital operator that serves more than 150 million connectivity customers and maintains about 120 million active digital users each month. The company is not only the largest Nasdaq-listed organization with a Dubai headquarters but also oversees Kyivstar, another Nasdaq-listed entity.
With operations across five countries, VEON is dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals through technology-driven services that stimulate economic growth. The mission of VEON focuses on empowering customers while delivering innovative digital products.
Future Prospects
The leadership changes at VEON are seen as pivotal in driving future growth. Vitaly Shmakov's expertise in legal matters and M&A, combined with Anand Ramachandran's investor relations focus, will complement Sebastian Rice's legal insights, strengthening the overall business framework.
As VEON moves forward, its commitment to engaging more profoundly with capital markets indicates a proactive approach to scaling operations and exploring new opportunities for expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new General Counsel of VEON?
Sebastian Rice has been appointed as the new General Counsel of VEON, effective January 1, 2026.
What role will Vitaly Shmakov take on?
Vitaly Shmakov will assume the role of Chief Investment Officer, focusing on mergers and acquisitions.
What are VEON’s key operations?
VEON operates in five countries, serving over 150 million connectivity customers and providing digital services to approximately 120 million users monthly.
How long has Sebastian Rice worked in the legal field?
Sebastian Rice brings over 24 years of experience, primarily from his tenure at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP.
What is VEON's focus moving forward?
VEON aims to enhance its digital transformation initiatives while engaging more deeply with capital markets to facilitate growth.
