From his role at Yahsat to his new position at e& UAE, Mahmood brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in telecom and technology.
Dubai: Masood M. Sharif Mahmood will assume the role of Group Chief Executive Officer of e&, succeeding Hatem Dowidar in a planned leadership transition. He currently serves as CEO of e& UAE, the group’s flagship telecom business in its home market.
Mahmood brings over 20 years of experience across telecommunications, technology, investment management, and government-linked enterprises. His appointment comes as e& continues to evolve beyond traditional telecoms into a diversified technology and digital services group with a presence in multiple international markets.
From UAE operations
As CEO of e& UAE, Mahmood has overseen the country’s commercial, technology, and IT operations. His responsibilities have included enhancing operational efficiency, advancing customer-centric strategies, and driving sustainable growth in the group’s largest and most established market.
The company noted that Mahmood’s operational and financial expertise has been instrumental in building high-performing teams and implementing development strategies that enhance business performance. His leadership in the UAE operations established him as a leading internal candidate as the group prepared for a broader leadership transition.
A Decade Leading Yahsat
Before joining e&, Mahmood spent nearly a decade as CEO of Yahsat, the Abu Dhabi-based satellite communications company fully owned by Mubadala Investment Company. Appointed in 2012, he managed both government and commercial operations during a period of significant international growth.
Under his leadership, Yahsat expanded its operations to approximately 50 markets worldwide. He also oversaw the acquisition of Thuraya, consolidating the UAE’s commercial space sector, enhancing shareholder value, and laying the groundwork for Yahsat’s public listing in 2021.
Investment and Government Roles
Prior to Yahsat, Mahmood held senior positions at Mubadala, including Vice President, leading the ICT department. In this role, he contributed to corporate strategy, asset management, and oversight of strategic investments, including Yahsat and Injazat.
He also brings roughly a decade of experience in investment management and business development, having served in government and semi-government entities, including 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.
Mahmood’s career spans more than 21 years in the communications and technology sectors, with a strong focus on building and transforming businesses at various stages of growth. His expertise combines operational leadership with experience in large-scale infrastructure projects, investment-driven expansion, and public market preparation.
As he prepares to take on the role of Group CEO, e& has emphasized that the leadership transition is designed to ensure continuity. Mahmood’s extensive background across telecoms, satellite communications, and government-linked investment platforms positions him to lead the group’s next phase of growth as it expands its technology and digital services footprint.
