Hatem Dowidar joined e& in September 2015, initially serving as group COO. He was appointed CEO – International in March 2016, and in May 2020, he became the group’s CEO.
Ever since he took the company’s helm, Dowidar was the architect for the group’s transformation from a traditional telco to a technology group. He has spearheaded several ground-breaking strategic programmes that propelled the company’s business growth to new heights across the 38 markets where it now operates. As the company transformed into a global technology group in February 2022, and despite the ever-changing business landscape, his astute brand stewardship has been the foundation for enhancing e&’s brand equity, enhancing employee experience, and adding value to stakeholders.
Today, e& is the ‘Fastest Growing Technology Brand’ and the most valuable brand portfolio in the Middle East and Africa (Brand Finance Global 500 report), standing tall in global rankings. Dowidar also has been recognised by Brand Finance as the number one ranked telecom leader globally on the Brand Guardianship Index 2024. e& also attained the highest position in Brand Finance’s inaugural Employer Brand Report 2024, with its UAE entity ranking as the ‘Top Global Telecoms Employer’. A highly skilled strategist and visionary, Dowidar has been instrumental in ushering in a new phase of strategic partnerships and key collaborations with global industry leaders that will digitally empower societies.
Prior to joining the group, Dowidar was the group chief of staff for Vodafone Group based in London. He brings more than 30 years of experience in multinational companies and more than 25 years of these within the telecommunications industry across various leadership positions.
He is currently a board member of Vodafone Group, Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily), Maroc Telecom, and Etisalat Misr (Etisalat Egypt).
On a global industry level, Dowidar is a member of the GSMA and the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) leadership panel.
Previously, Dowidar served as a board member for Hutch Lanka, Etisalat Nigeria, Attijariwafa Bank Egypt, Barclays Bank Egypt and Vodacom Africa, Vodafone Egypt and Malta, and ElSweedy Electrometers.
