SAMENA Council announces Group CEO of Ooredoo, Dr. Nasser Marafih, as new Chairman of the Board

The South Asia, Middle East, North Africa region’s SAMENA Telecommunication Council has announced the election of Dr. Nasser Marafih as its new chairman. 

Dr. Nasser, Group Chief Executive Officer of Ooredoo, the leading international communications company, was elected to the position by the SAMENA Council Board of Directors, which is made-up of operators from the region. He takes on the position from the outgoing Chairman, Mohamed Bin Isa Al Khalifa, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Telecommunications Company. 

To his new role as Chairman, Dr. Nasser brings significant industry experience and a strong track record for contributing to the telecommunication industry’s growth and development. From his first days at what was formerly known as Qatar Telecom back in 1992, he has pushed the company to improve at home and expand overseas, drive profitable growth and ensure that the benefits of communication technology are shared across all the communities the company serves. 

In 2013, he has successfully managed the global launch of the new Ooredoo brand, supported the company’s efforts to increase its stakes in Asiacell and Wataniya, and led the bid process to secure one of two licenses in Myanmar against fierce international competition. Ooredoo has grown from a one-country operator to becoming the fastest-growing communications company in the world by revenue under his leadership, and has developed an outstanding international reputation due to its focus on promoting human growth. 

Bocar A. BA, SAMENA Council’s Chief Executive Officer said, “Dr. Marafih’s appointment as our Chairman comes at a time when the regional telecommunications industry is witnessing unprecedented growth and development, and as the representative telecommunications association for region, the SAMENA Council stands to benefit from his vast experience and expertise. Our on-going efforts, that prospered under the guidance of Sheikh Mohamed Al Khalifa, to promote collaboration among key industry stakeholders to establish the role of the ICT sector as a key economic contributor, and advocacy efforts to ensure sustainability of the internet and digital business growth through the acceleration of digital service adoption, will be heightened under the leadership of Dr. Marafih and assist us in achieving the objectives of our membership.” 

Thanking the Council, Dr. Nasser said: “Communications technology today has the power to improve people’s lives and provide them with access to ideas and opportunities they could never have encountered before. As an industry, we have a responsibility to grow, evolve and provide real solutions for the problems that people face. The Council will continue to provide a strong, unified voice in our discussions with governments and regulators, as we all work together to deliver the best possible level of service for the people of this region.” 

Dr. Marafih is viewed as a visionary leader of the industry. He has received a number of prestigious awards and holds several key industry roles, including being named as Chairman of the GSMA Mobile for Development Foundation in 2012. He was named as the 31^st most influential telecommunications professional in the world in the Global Telecoms Business Power 100 in 2013.