As part of its ongoing strategy to strengthen the foundations of its business, Qtel Group named Ahmed Al-Derbesti as its new Group Chief Operating Officer.

In his new role, reporting directly to the Group CEO, Al-Derbesti will support efforts to make Qtel Group a leader in customer experience, an innovator in the field of performance management and a pioneer in Broadband technologies and other digital futures. To help fulfil the Group’s vision to ‘enrich people’s lives as a leading international communications company,’ he will work with management teams across the Group’s presence in 17 countries.

Dr. Nasser Marafih, Group CEO, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ahmed Al-Derbesti as the new Qtel Group Chief Operating Officer. The Qtel Group has set ambitious targets to stand out from the competition, and to explore new opportunities for growth, and I believe he will play a key part in achieving these. As a colleague of long-standing, we know that Ahmed offers an impressive track-record and a strong skill-set in his new executive position.”

Al-Derbesti brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his new role. He has worked with Qtel Qatar since 1985 and has held a variety of positions, including Executive Director, Group Strategy, taking on this key responsibility in the early days of the Group’s expansion outside of Qatar.

He has also held the positions of Executive Director, Customer Care; Executive Director, International Services; and most recently, Chief Officer Wholesale and International Services, with responsibility for national and international voice, data and roaming services.

Commenting on his new role, Al-Derbesti said: “I am pleased and proud to be taking on the role of Qtel Group Chief Operating Officer. Every day, 84 million customers use our services, and the Qtel Group is doing everything we can to ensure the best possible experience and technology for all of them.”

As part of its growth strategy, the Qtel Group is increasing its focus on Broadband solutions, Business-to-Business opportunities, digital futures (such as entertainment, finance and health) and fibre technologies. It is also driving further operational and cost efficiency, productivity, and scale benefits, while growing organisational and people capabilities. The ongoing expansion and enhancement of its leadership team, reflected by the appointment of Al-Derbesti, reflects the ongoing implementation of this strategy for success.