M. Masood Sharif Mahmood will assume the role of Group Chief Executive Officer of e& on April 1, 2026, marking a significant leadership transition at one of the region’s largest technology groups. Currently serving as Chief Executive Officer of e& UAE, Mahmood steps into the top role as the company accelerates its evolution from a traditional telecom operator into a diversified global technology player.
His appointment follows the planned departure of Hatem Dowidar, who led e& through a period of rapid international expansion and diversification. Mahmood will hold a dual position, serving both as Group CEO and CEO of e& UAE, placing him at the centre of strategy and execution during the company’s next phase of growth.
From Domestic Operations to Group Leadership
As CEO of e& UAE, Mahmood has overseen the group’s core domestic telecom operations, managing commercial, technology and IT functions across the country. Under his leadership, the UAE business strengthened operational efficiency, sharpened customer-focused strategies and supported sustainable revenue growth in the company’s most established market.
His operational and financial background, combined with his institutional knowledge of the organisation, positioned him as a natural internal successor as e& prepared for a structured leadership transition.
The move comes at a time when e& has reported strong financial performance. In 2025, the group recorded consolidated revenue of Dhs72.9 billion, a 23.1 per cent year-on-year increase. Net profit rose 33.6 per cent to Dhs14.4 billion, while EBITDA climbed to Dhs32.0 billion. The company’s global subscriber base expanded to 244.7 million, reflecting its growing international footprint.
Nearly a Decade Transforming Yahsat
Before joining e&, Mahmood spent close to a decade leading Yahsat, the Abu Dhabi-based satellite communications company owned by Mubadala Investment Company. Appointed CEO in 2012, he oversaw both government and commercial segments during a period of international expansion.
During his tenure, Yahsat extended its operational reach to more than 50 markets globally. He also led the acquisition of mobile satellite operator Thuraya, consolidating the UAE’s commercial space sector and creating additional shareholder value. The transaction played a role in preparing Yahsat for its public listing in 2021, marking a milestone in the company’s development.
Mahmood’s leadership at Yahsat demonstrated his ability to manage complex infrastructure businesses while balancing government mandates with commercial performance.
Investment and Government Experience
Earlier in his career, Mahmood served as Vice President at Mubadala Investment Company, heading the ICT portfolio and overseeing strategic assets including Yahsat and Injazat. His role involved corporate strategy, asset management and investment oversight within one of the UAE’s most prominent sovereign investment platforms.
He also held positions at Dubai Holding and served as Director General of Financial and Strategic Affairs at the Abu Dhabi Department of Finance. In addition, he was part of the founding team at the Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, gaining early exposure to high-level policy and strategic planning.
This blend of private-sector investment, government oversight and operational leadership has shaped his executive profile.
Education and Background
Mahmood, 48, holds a Master of Business Administration specialising in finance from McGill University in Canada and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Systems Engineering from Boston University in the United States.With more than 25 years of experience across communications, technology and investment sectors, his career has focused on building and transforming organisations at different stages of growth.
Leading e& Into Its Next Phase
Mahmood’s appointment comes as e& continues expanding beyond its telecom origins into digital services, fintech, enterprise solutions and digital lifestyle platforms across multiple markets. The leadership transition has been structured to ensure continuity, while positioning the group for further international scale.
His background in satellite communications, telecom operations and sovereign-backed investment platforms places him at the intersection of infrastructure, technology and capital strategy. As e& advances its transformation into a global technology group, Mahmood now takes on the responsibility of steering that momentum.
With institutional knowledge of the company and experience managing large-scale assets, he steps into the role at a pivotal moment for one of the region’s most influential corporate players.
