Ashraf Fawakherji Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, has announced the appointment of Ashraf Fawakherji to the newly created role of Regional Vice President - Middle East for Huawei's consumer business group Huawei Device. Based in Dubai, Fawakherji will be responsible for planning and executing all strategic sales and marketing activities aimed at growing the brand's footprint within the Middle East focusing on the GCC in particular. The job will include strengthening ties with retail and distribution channel partners, guiding the expansion of Huawei's internal consumer sales division, and working alongside Huawei's executive management team to create new commercial opportunities that leverage the company's existing strengths in the telecom and enterprise ICT market. “The Middle East's consumer electronics market is a fast-paced and competitive landscape in which Huawei has made substantial headway over the past year as an emerging challenger brand,” Fawakherji said. “That competition has driven Huawei to continuously improve its offerings while doing more to share its brand legacy and values with the public. By driving more innovation using its strong R&D arm, right now is an incredibly exciting time for Huawei's consumer business globally, and within that context we see a lot of fantastic opportunities within the Middle East to offer the public imaginative and truly exceptional communication experiences.” “Operating in the Middle East for over 10 years on leading telecommunication projects, Huawei recognizes that the consumer electronics business is an entirely different frontier,” said Jiao Jian, President of Huawei Device Middle East. “Ashraf's unparalleled knowledge of the industry and great experience within the regional market will prove to be core assets as Huawei looks to provide excellent products, experiences, and services for local consumers in the years ahead.” Huawei's expansion within the Middle East consumer electronics market has helped the brand rise to become a top-three global smartphone vendor as of Q4 2012, according to research firm IDC. — SG
