Latvia, Markets and Companies, Telecomunications

"In my view, it is important for the management and the employees of the enterprise to have a clear vision of company's future and long-term development strategy," Gulbis points out.

His aims and plans are in coherence with the former Lattelecom strategy and development priorities. Thus, broadband internet development in Riga, other cities and also in the rural areas will remain the main focus.

Gulbis reckons that for the majority of Latvia's enterprises, 2008 is going to be a year of challenges, when they will have to cut costs and improve the efficiency. Lattelecom, as one of the leaders in the information technology and telecommunication sector, will also be influenced by the increasing labor costs and inflation, therefore it is very important to improve efficiency of the company.

As reported, yesterday Lattelecom Finance Director Juris Gulbis was confirmed as Lattelecom's new CEO and chairman of the board.

Representatives of Latvia on the Lattelecom council approved Gulbis in the position already on May 7, and TeliaSonera representatives yesterday.

The 1969-born Gulbis is a graduate of Riga Technical University with specialization in engineering. He has obtained a certified accountant's diploma in the United Kingdom.

His professional career includes work at Baltic Trust Bank, the companies Coopers&Lybrand, Latvijas balzams and S.P.I..

Gulbis has been working for Lattelecom since 2007, when he was elected company's finance director and member of the board.

After Nils Melngailis left his office at Lattelecom, Gulbis was also assuming the duties of acting chairman of the board.