e& has announced that Masood M. Sharif Mahmood will assume the role of Group Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Hatem Dowidar as part of a structured leadership transition.
Mahmood currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of e& UAE, the group’s flagship telecom business in its home market. His appointment comes as e& continues its transformation from a traditional telecom operator into a diversified technology and digital services group with operations across multiple international markets.
Leadership Continuity at a Time of Expansion
The transition signals continuity at a pivotal time for the group. Over the past few years, e& has broadened its footprint beyond core telecom services into digital platforms, fintech, cloud, cybersecurity, and enterprise solutions.
As CEO of e& UAE, Mahmood has overseen commercial, technology, and IT operations across the country. He has focused on operational efficiency, customer-centric strategies, and sustainable growth in the company’s largest market.
The board noted that his strong operational and financial background, along with his ability to build high-performing teams, positioned him as a natural internal successor.
A Decade of Leadership at Yahsat
Before joining e&, Mahmood spent nearly a decade as Chief Executive Officer of Yahsat, the Abu Dhabi-based satellite communications company wholly owned by Mubadala Investment Company.
Appointed in 2012, he led both government and commercial operations during a period of international expansion. Under his leadership, Yahsat extended its presence to around 50 global markets.
He also oversaw the acquisition of Thuraya, consolidating the UAE’s commercial space capabilities. The move strengthened shareholder value and supported Yahsat’s successful public listing in 2021.
Investment and Government Experience
Earlier in his career, Mahmood held senior roles at Mubadala, where he led the ICT department as Vice President. In that capacity, he worked on corporate strategy, asset management, and oversight of key investments, including Yahsat and Injazat.
He also brings experience from Dubai Investment Group and the Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
This blend of telecom leadership, satellite communications expertise, and sovereign investment exposure gives Mahmood a broad perspective on infrastructure-led growth and capital-intensive expansion.
Steering e&’s Next Phase
Mahmood’s career spans more than two decades across telecommunications, technology, and government-linked enterprises. His experience ranges from operational management to large-scale infrastructure projects and public market preparation.
As he prepares to take on the group CEO role, e& emphasised that the transition has been carefully structured to ensure stability and continuity.
With digital transformation accelerating across the region, Mahmood now steps into leadership at a time when e& aims to deepen its technology footprint and strengthen its position as a global digital player.
