Etisalat appoints new CEO for UAE operations

UAE telco Etisalat Group has announced the appointment of Masood M Sharif Mahmood as CEO for its UAE operations.

The new position is part of Etisalat’s ongoing strategy that “targets diversifying and exploring new growth opportunities, accelerating business development in the digital field, expanding geographical presence and maximising operational efficiency”, a statement said.

Mahmood, who will report to the Etisalat Group CEO Hatem Dowidar, currently serves on the boards of Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), the UAE Space Agency and Etihad Aviation Group

In his previous roles, he served as the CEO of Yahsat, the VP at Mubadala’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) unit, and on the board of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du).

Also read: UAE telco Etisalat announces 6G plans

Last month, Etisalat announced that its net profit (after royalty) for the first half of the year amounted to Dhs4.7bn, representing an increase of 3.9 per cent year-on-year.

The company also said its consolidated revenues amounted to Dhs26.4bn, up 3.2 per cent compared to the same period last year.

In the UAE, its subscriber base reached 12.1 million as of H1 2021, while the aggregate subscriber base reached 156.1 million, representing a rise of 7 per cent year-on-year.

In January, UAE telecom operators Etisalat and du raised the permitted ownership limit of foreign nationals to 49 per cent.

Read: UAE operators Etisalat, du raise foreign ownership to 49%