The Board of Directors of Mobile Telecommunications Company Saudi Arabia (Zain KSA) approved Monday the appointment of Fraser Curley as the new chief executive officer, taking over from Khalid Al-Omar who retired following a career of over 26 years within Zain Group and the successful completion of his objectives in Saudi Arabia. Al-Omar became managing director and CEO of Zain KSA in October 2011, guiding the company through a significant period of transition. His specific achievements have included the delivery of improved financial control, streamlining the structure of the Company and launching of a range of commercial initiatives. Al-Omar handed over the reigns to Curley, an experienced executive with over 29 years in the telecommunications industry, 20 years of which have been in mobile cellular markets. Curley has been pivotal in the successful development of over 15 telecommunication mobile operations in various parts of the world, and has been involved in network investments valued at over $8 billion. Curley has held senior executive positions within the European telecommunications industry, including Deutsche Telekom's Detecon Group, where he was responsible for all mobile telecommunications. He successfully launched the German operator's US consulting subsidiary and has experience of bringing innovative solutions in highly penetrated mobile telecommunications markets. He has also held senior executive positions throughout the Middle East, CIS and other developing markets. Curley said "my objective is to build upon Mr. Al-Omar's outstanding work and further strengthen our relationships with our customers and wider stakeholders in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." Prince Dr. Hussam bin Saud bin Abdul Aziz, Chairman of Zain KSA, said "in Fraser Curley we have identified an experienced specialist who we know will build upon Zain Saudi Arabia's outstanding existing foundations. We are confident that he is the right leader to direct Zain Saudi Arabia for further market growth, network expansion and greater innovation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." Eng. Nabeel Bin Salamah, Chief Executive Officer of Zain Group, said: "We must put on record our sincere thanks for the outstanding contributiosn that Khalid Al-Omar has made to Zain, both in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and at Zain Group level. He leaves a business well positioned to achieve further growth and play a prominent role in improving mobile communications in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."
