e& has announced a significant transition in its executive leadership. Hatem Dowidar, who has served as Group Chief Executive Officer since 2020, will step down from his role on March 31, 2026. The Board of Directors has appointed Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, the current CEO of e& UAE, to succeed him as Group CEO, effective April 1, 2026.
The transition comes on the heels of a historic fiscal year for e&. Under Dowidar’s leadership, the group reported record-breaking financial results for 2025, with consolidated revenue reaching AED 72.9 billion and consolidated net profit climbing to AED 14.4 billion.
During his six-year tenure at the helm, Hatem Dowidar spearheaded the group’s evolution from a traditional telecommunications operator into a global technology and investment powerhouse. His “Telco to TechCo” strategy saw the successful rebranding of the organization to e& in 2022 and the aggressive expansion of its footprint across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Notable milestones include a significant strategic stake in Vodafone Group and the acquisition of a controlling interest in PPF Telecom’s assets across Central and Eastern Europe.
“Leading e& during this defining chapter has been an immense honor,” said Hatem Dowidar. “With 2025 marking a record year, I believe the timing is right to hand over the reins. Our technology now empowers over 244 million subscribers, and I am confident that the group is well-positioned for its next phase of growth under Masood’s leadership.”
Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, who will assume the dual responsibilities of Group CEO and CEO of e& UAE, brings over 25 years of experience in the ICT and investment sectors. Since joining e& UAE as CEO in 2021, Mahmood has been instrumental in maintaining the group’s dominant market position in its home territory while accelerating the deployment of 5G and AI-driven enterprise solutions.
Prior to his current role, Mahmood served as the CEO of Yahsat for eight years, where he led the satellite operator through its successful IPO.
