Hatem Dowidar: The Visionary Behind e&’s Global Transformation

Hatem Dowidar is a distinguished leader in the telecommunications and technology sector, currently serving as the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of e& (formerly Etisalat Group). With over 32 years of experience in multinational companies—including more than 25 years in telecommunications—Dowidar has played a pivotal role in redefining the landscape of the telecom industry.

Since joining e& in 2015, he has been the driving force behind the company’s transformation from a traditional telecom operator to a global technology and investment powerhouse. Under his leadership, e& has expanded its footprint across 32 markets, formed strategic partnerships with industry giants like Microsoft and Meta, and emerged as the most valuable listed telecom company in the GCC region.

Transforming e& into a Global Tech and Investment Powerhouse

When Dowidar assumed leadership of e&, he set out to transform the company beyond its traditional telecommunications operations. His visionary approach culminated in the February 2022 rebranding of Etisalat Group into e&, signaling a strategic shift toward digital technologies, AI, cloud computing, and investments.

This transformation enabled e& to become the fastest-growing technology brand in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) while achieving top rankings in global brand equity and valuation. His leadership has not only positioned e& as the region’s most valuable brand portfolio but has also propelled it onto the international stage.

Global Recognition and Accolades

Dowidar’s impact on e&’s brand equity and corporate growth has been widely recognized:

• Brand Finance ranked him as the number one telecom leader globally in the Brand Guardianship Index 2024.
• e& was recognized as the most valuable publicly-traded company in the region.
• Forbes named e& the most valuable listed telecommunications service provider in the GCC.
• e& UAE ranked as the Top Global Telecom Employer in Brand Finance’s inaugural Employer Brand Report 2024.

These accolades reflect Dowidar’s strategic foresight, his ability to drive corporate transformation, and his leadership in fostering a strong corporate culture and employee experience.

Strategic Partnerships with Industry Leaders

Dowidar has also been instrumental in forging strategic alliances that drive technological innovation and digital empowerment. Under his leadership, e& partnered with Microsoft and Meta, marking a new era of digital transformation and AI integration. These collaborations focus on:

• Cloud computing and digital services
• AI-driven telecom solutions
• Cybersecurity innovations
• Next-generation connectivity

These initiatives have helped e& expand beyond telecom, positioning the company as a key enabler of digital societies worldwide.

Previous Leadership at Vodafone Group

Before joining e&, Dowidar had an illustrious career at Vodafone Group, where he held several high-profile leadership roles:

• Group Chief of Staff for Vodafone Group in London
• CEO of Vodafone Egypt (2009–2014), driving record profitability despite economic and political challenges
• Chairman and CEO of Vodafone Malta
• CEO of Vodafone Partner Markets, covering over 45 global markets
• Regional Director of Emerging Markets

His tenure at Vodafone demonstrated his ability to lead multinational operations, drive corporate growth, and navigate complex business landscapes.

Corporate Governance and Industry Leadership

Dowidar’s influence extends beyond corporate leadership—he is an active figure in global industry forums and governance bodies.

Board Memberships

He currently serves as a board member for:

• Vodafone Group
• Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily)
• Maroc Telecom
• Etisalat Misr (Etisalat Egypt)
• Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry
• Khalifa University (Board of Trustees)

His extensive corporate governance experience includes past board positions at:

• Hutch Lanka
• Etisalat Nigeria
• Attijariwafa Bank Egypt
• Barclays Bank Egypt
• Vodacom Africa
• Vodafone Egypt and Malta
• El Sewedy Electrometers

These roles highlight his broad influence in telecommunications, finance, and industrial sectors

Global Industry Leadership

Dowidar is also a member of key international organizations, including:

• GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications Association) – representing the global mobile ecosystem.
• United Nations’ Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Leadership Panel – a multi-stakeholder group addressing global internet policies and digital governance.

Notably, he is the only Arab member from the MENA region on the IGF Leadership Panel, demonstrating his global influence in shaping technology policies and digital governance strategies.

Early Career and Academic Background

Dowidar began his career at AEG/Deutsche Aerospace (Daimler Benz Group) in Egypt, later transitioning to Procter & Gamble, where he held various managerial roles in marketing.

His strong technical and business acumen are backed by his academic achievements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Electronics Engineering from Cairo University.
• MBA from the American University in Cairo

His engineering expertise and business leadership have been instrumental in his success across multiple industries.

Hatem Dowidar is a visionary leader who has redefined e&’s role in the global telecom and technology landscape. His strategic transformation of e&, innovative partnerships, and global leadership have positioned him as a trailblazer in digital transformation, corporate governance, and technological advancements.

Under his stewardship, e& continues to set new industry benchmarks, cementing its status as a global technology powerhouse driving the future of connectivity, AI, and digital ecosystems.