Bahrain’s national telecom operator, Batelco has appointed a member of the ruling Royal family to take over as its new CEO. The company today announced that Sheik Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, will be its new CEO, with effect from October 1. This will be the first time a Bahraini national heads the organization. He replaces former CEO, Peter Kaliaropoulos, who has now been assigned the portfolio of Chief Executive, Strategic Assignments.
Sheikh Mohammed was formerly chairman of the Board of directors. Before that, he was the former chief executive of Bahrain’s Social Insurance Organization (SIO) from 2008 till his new role. In his new role, Sheikh Mohammed will be responsible for managing the telco’s joint ventures, besides handling day to day operations.
The Board of Directors for Batelco is currently being chaired by another member of the king’s family, Sheik Hamad Bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. Current director of the Board, Murad Ali Murad will now be promoted to Sheikh Kalifa’s post, as deputy chairman of the Board. The change was conducted due to recent anti-governemnt agitations, challenging the Royal family’s minority government monarchy rule, which was forcefully suppressed.
Batelco currently has over 10 million subscribers – both wireline and wireless. Batelco and Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed’s Kingdom Holding are currently pursuing a $950 million stake in Zain Saudi. The process was earlier to be completed by end August.
By Telecomlead.com Team
editor@telecomlead.com
