Telenor, the world’s tenth-largest operator group in terms of connections, has asked CEO Jon Fredrik Baksaas (pictured) to extend his contract until the end of next year.

Baksaas, who has accepted the offer, has held the top post at Telenor for over 12 years. He is also chairman of the GSMA.

During his tenure, the Norwegian company has grown substantially. According to GSMA Intelligence figures, it has 176 million mobile connections (Q2, 2014 figures), thanks to its widespread international interests.

Telenor stands out from its peers in the top ten because its status is not based on a substantial home market. In fact, by some margin, Norway is the smallest domestic market (in terms of total connections) among the global giants of the mobile industry.

And it’s unlikely any other CEOs in the top ten have held the top position as long as Baksaas.

He turns 60 in November and will go on to act as a special adviser for 12 months from 1 January 2016.  No successor has been named so far.