Continuing with its Emiratization programme, du, the integrated telecom operator in the UAE, has announced the appointment of two senior executives in key areas of the company?s technology operations. Ahmed Hassan Al Hosni is the new Senior Vice President (SVP) IT and Saleem Mohamed Al Balooshi SVP Operations.

du has a comprehensive Emiratization strategy that is implemented across the company, from positions in the call centre to senior management. The level of Emiratization in the company currently stands at 22 per cent with 30% Emiratization among senior management team recorded since du launch in February 2007.

About the new appointees:

Ahmed Hassan Al Hosni, SVP IT, du

Ahmed has over 15 years experience in Telecom and IT, with a proven track record in delivering business and technical solutions. Prior to joining du, Ahmed held the position of CIO at Mobily in Saudi Arabia. He played a crucial role in the remarkably successful launch of Mobily?s products and services, completing the build out and launch of IT services in just six months. Prior to joining Mobily, Ahmed was the Manager Software Development at one of the leading regional Telcos.

Saleem Mohamed Al-Balooshi, SVP Operations

With nearly 13 years of experience in the region's telecom industry, Saleem's previous role was Chief Technology Officer at and Dubai World Central JV, where he was responsible for building technical infrastructure aligned with the JV?s business plans, delivering equal access network for the licensed operators in the UAE, Smart City infrastructure and airport infrastructure. A telecom Engineer, Saleem was earlier Director, Core Network Development of a leading Telco, responsible for strategising, planning and the development of core networks, aligned with the company?s business plans.