1st August 2025, Kathmandu
Ncell, one of Nepal’s leading telecommunications providers, has announced a significant leadership change with the resignation of its CEO, Jabbor Kayumov.
Ncell CEO resignation 2025
Citing personal and family reasons, Kayumov, who assumed the role on 27th Baisakh 2080 (May 10, 2023), has stepped down. In a swift transition, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Syed MD Enamul Kabir has been appointed as the Acting CEO, signaling Ncell’s commitment to continuity and strategic direction.
A Look Back at Kayumov’s Tenure
During his tenure, Jabbor Kayumov played a pivotal role in Ncell’s journey, particularly in its transition to a 100% Nepali-origin owned company.
He emphasized enhancing customer satisfaction and laying the groundwork for future technological advancements, including 5G. His leadership was marked by a strategic focus on digital transformation and innovative customer solutions, aiming to revolutionize Nepal’s telecom sector.
Key initiatives like the “Sadhain ON” campaign, promoting uninterrupted mobile data, were launched under his guidance, reflecting a deep understanding of Nepali consumer behavior and connectivity needs.
Introducing Acting CEO Syed MD Enamul Kabir: A Wealth of Experience
Syed MD Enamul Kabir steps into the Acting CEO role, bringing over two decades of extensive leadership experience across diverse industries and cultural landscapes. His background is firmly rooted in strategic finance, business transformation, and corporate governance.
Before he was appointed Ncell’s CFO, Kabir served as Deputy CEO and CFO at UCB Fintech Company (UPAY) in Bangladesh, where he was instrumental in shaping strategic direction and driving sustainable growth.
His impressive career also includes senior finance leadership positions at Telenor Group’s operations in Bangladesh (Grameenphone) and Thailand (Dtac), as well as tenures at Nestlé Bangladesh Limited and KPMG Bangladesh.
A Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and holding an MBA from the University of Edinburgh Business School, UK, Kabir’s strong financial acumen and leadership track record position him well to guide Ncell through this transition period.
Implications for Ncell and the Nepali Telecom Landscape
The appointment of an experienced financial leader like Syed MD Enamul Kabir as Acting CEO underscores Ncell’s focus on financial stability and operational efficiency.
In the dynamic Nepali telecom market, characterized by increasing data consumption, ongoing 4G expansion, and the anticipation of 5G rollout, strategic financial management will be crucial.
Nepal’s telecom sector is currently experiencing robust growth in mobile connections and a strong emphasis on digital transformation. The government is actively promoting digitalization, and there’s a growing demand for advanced services. Ncell, now a wholly Nepali-origin owned company, is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends.
Kabir’s expertise in business transformation and corporate governance will be vital as Ncell navigates competitive pressures and continues its efforts to expand digital access and services across Nepal.
The company has already demonstrated its commitment to digital inclusion, including initiatives for persons with disabilities, and it is expected that the new leadership will further champion these efforts.
This leadership transition marks a new chapter for Ncell. With Syed MD Enamul Kabir at the helm as Acting CEO, the company is poised to continue its mission of connecting every Nepali and contributing to the nation’s digital future, building upon the foundation laid by its previous leadership.
About Ncell
Ncell is the first private sector telecommunications service provider of Nepal, established in 2004 and operating services since 2005. We are constantly working towards the goal of connecting every Nepali through our network, providing high-quality modern services to consistently create better value for our customers and business partners.
On December 1, 2023, the United Kingdom-based Spectrlite UK Limited acquired 100 percent shares of Reynolds Holdings Limited from Axiata UK of Axiata Group Berhad. Reynolds owns an 80 percent equity stake in Ncell.
With Spectrlite UK Limited, Ncell has become a 100 percent Nepali-origin, owned company, and now our focus is to create value for Nepali consumers, contributing towards achieving the aspirations of the Digital Nepal vision. Ncell is now poised with a strong commitment and capability to diversify its digital services, innovations, investments, and a wide range of life-enhancing services, enriching the lives of millions of Nepali people.
Ncell is one of the largest taxpayers in Nepal. Ncell has contributed over Rs. 300 billion in taxes and fees since its inception.
The company has contributed over Rs. 1.80 billion under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in focus areas of Education, Environment, and Health, supporting the government in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Initially, Ncell was incorporated as ‘Mero Mobile’ in 2004. Four years later, it was acquired by Telia Company (previously known as TeliaSonera Group of Sweden) and rebranded as ‘Ncell’ in 2010. On April 12, 2016, Ncell became a part of Axiata Group Berhad and converted to a public limited company to ‘Ncell Axiata Limited’ on August 3, 2020.
For more: Ncell CEO resignation 2025