Telecom veteran with over two decades of global experience to lead Ncell’s digital transformation from November 1
Kathmandu — Ncell, one of Nepal’s leading telecommunications companies, has appointed Michael Foley as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective Kartik 15, 2082 (November 1, 2025).
Acting CEO Syed Enamul Kabir will continue to serve in his key role as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) following the leadership transition.
With more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in the telecommunications sector, Foley has an impressive track record of driving business transformation and growth across multiple international markets.
Before joining Ncell, Foley served as Head of Airtel French Africa, overseeing operations in seven Francophone African markets. He also held the position of CEO of Telenor Pakistan, where he led the company through challenging business conditions and achieved remarkable results in market growth, profitability, and employee engagement.
Foley’s leadership journey includes serving as CEO of Grameenphone (Bangladesh) and Telenor Bulgaria, where he steered major business turnarounds — expanding customer bases beyond 70 million users and increasing EBITDA by over 60%.
He also chaired Tameer Microfinance Bank (now Easypaisa, Pakistan) and Telenor Health, and most recently served as Chairman of Watu DRC SA, a subsidiary of Africa’s leading asset microfinance company Watu.
Expressing his excitement about his new role, Foley said:
“I’m truly honored to take on this responsibility in Kathmandu. Ncell is a vital part of Nepal’s digital infrastructure, with immense potential to create opportunities for the people, advance digital transformation, enhance competitiveness, and attract foreign investment.”
He emphasized that in today’s AI-powered and socially connected era, telecom companies are not merely service providers but key architects of the digital society.
“We are now the operating system of the modern economy,” Foley added. “It’s essential that we manage these assets responsibly — to serve the nation, strengthen our services, and most importantly, empower future generations.”
The Ncell Board of Directors expressed full confidence in Foley’s leadership, stating:
“We are delighted to welcome Michael Foley to Ncell in this critical leadership role. His vast experience and strategic vision will be instrumental in guiding Ncell’s next phase of transformation and reinforcing our commitment to serving communities across Nepal.”
Foley holds a degree from McGill University and an Executive Certificate in Global Management and Governance from INSEAD.
