Etisalat Group appoints new CEO for UAE operations

Etisalat Group has announced the appointment of Masood M. Sharif Mahmood as the new CEO for Etisalat UAE operations. This new role, which reports to Etisalat Group CEO, is part of Etisalat Group’s continuing and agile transformation plan, which aims to diversify and explore new growth prospects, accelerate digital business development, extend geographical presence, and maximize operational efficiency.

The appointment also symbolizes the company’s unwavering commitment to maintaining its position in digital transformation and providing innovative services and solutions to all customers while also investing in and developing UAE nationals.

Eng. Hatem Dowidar, CEO, Etisalat Group, said: “Etisalat is thrilled by the joining of Masood as CEO for Etisalat UAE operations. With his recognized career and strong drive for results, Masood is a true people leader who will focus on growing Etisalat UAE even further through achieving operational efficiency and generating value by organic growth strategies. In the new normal where smart and digital services dominate the scene, Etisalat backed by one of the most advanced portfolios of smart services and solutions in the region continues to attract and empower UAE’s leading talent in the digital field. We wish him great success in his new role at Etisalat, home to the fastest mobile network on earth”.

Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO, Etisalat UAE operations, said: “It is a privilege to join Etisalat one of the world’s leading telecom groups and ranked the strongest brand across all categories in Middle East and Africa. This exciting appointment represents a great milestone and a motive to work continuously towards adding value for the services and solutions provided to Etisalat customers, capitalizing on our employees’ great talent, passion and capabilities, while realizing the overall objectives of the company. Inspired by the continuous support and wise leadership of the UAE, Etisalat will continue deploying the latest innovative technologies to enrich the digital experience of customers and communities, bringing the country to the forefront in global ICT ranking.”

Masood has a solid track record of success in the telecom and technology industries, with over 20 years of expertise. His operational and financial sector skills led to the establishment of high-performing teams, the creation of creative work culture, and the implementation of development initiatives that improved business performance.

Masood is a member of the Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), the UAE Space Agency, and the Etihad Aviation Group’s boards of directors.

Throughout his career, he has held senior positions such as CEO of Yahsat for over a decade and Vice President of Mubadala’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) branch. He also served on the boards of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (Du), as well as other positions at Dubai Investment Group and the Executive Office of the Government of Dubai, where he gathered experience.

He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Systems Engineering from Boston University in the United States and an MBA with a Finance specialization from McGill University in Canada.