Name: Hatem Dowidar
Designation: Group Chief Executive Officer
Company: e& (Etisalat)
Hatem Dowidar is the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of e&, previously known as Etisalat Group. He joined e& in 2015 as the Chief Operating Officer and was appointed CEO – International in 2016 before becoming Group CEO in May 2020. Dowidar has led a bold transformation of e&, steering it from a traditional telecommunications provider to a dynamic global technology group operating across 38 markets worldwide. His leadership emphasized innovation and strategic growth, positioning e& as a digital pioneer in the industry.
Under his vision, e& adopted a comprehensive digital transformation strategy, restructuring the company into five key business verticals: e& UAE, e& life, e& enterprise, e& international, and e& capital. This allowed the company to expand beyond telecom connectivity into digital services, fintech, cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity. In 2022, the company rebranded from Etisalat to e&, reflecting its mission to be a technology-driven conglomerate with a diversified portfolio and flexible growth pathways.
Dowidar’s background includes over 30 years in telecom and multinational leadership roles. Before e&, he served as CEO of Vodafone Egypt and Malta and held senior positions within Vodafone Group, including Group Chief of Staff. His extensive experience spans marketing, operations, and corporate governance. This wealth of expertise underpins his strategic direction for e&, boosting business resilience and innovation.
His leadership philosophy centers on agility, customer trust, and embracing emerging technologies. Dowidar has fostered key partnerships with industry giants like Microsoft and Meta to drive digital empowerment. Today, under his stewardship, e& is recognized as the fastest-growing technology brand in the Middle East and Africa, with a premier global reputation for innovation and sustainable growth.
