Telia is moving forward with a major organisational overhaul that will eliminate roughly 900 positions throughout the group while pursuing SEK 1 billion in yearly cost reductions. The initiative combines headcount cuts with broader efficiency improvements across the business.
The restructuring will touch both permanent staff and contract workers. Additionally, Telia plans to relocate some 220 roles—primarily from its Technology division at the centre—into its national operating units.
Completion of the overhaul is slated for 31 December 2026, contingent on discussions with labour representatives. The company expects to incur restructuring charges of approximately SEK 600 million during the final quarter of 2026, with the bulk of financial outflows occurring in 2027.
Going forward, Telia's central group functions will concentrate on strategy formulation, objective-setting, governance frameworks and performance tracking. The shift reflects a push to strengthen decision-making at the country level while maintaining shared services.
Patrik Hofbauer, Telia's President and Chief Executive, framed the move as part of building the company's next phase. "We're building the future Telia. Our efforts so far have put us on the right track, and further localisation means doubling down on what we know gets results," he stated.
Hofbauer added that the company must enhance its operational simplicity and responsiveness. "We must always become even simpler, faster and more efficient in everything we do. We want to empower our countries more, get the utmost from our common Technology unit and other Group Functions, and sharpen Telia's edge in a very competitive market. Crucially, we want to continue investing in great products and experiences for our customers," he said.
The executive characterised the restructuring as a deliberate step taken from a position of stability rather than crisis. "We are committed to constant improvement, and this proposed next step is made from a position of strength. We recognize it will involve difficult decisions and will require support for all our people. We believe that Telia can perform even better, and we see an opportunity to become a leading European telco," Hofbauer concluded.
