Al-Barrak opts for hands-on role in Saudi

Zain Group CEO Saad Al-Barrak is set to act as interim CEO of the mobile conglomerate’s Saudi operation, following news that the current incumbent Marwan Alahmadi was due to leave the post at the end of March

Al-Barrak’s takeover of the day-to-day management of Zain Saudi underlines the importance of the operation

Alahmadi is set to remain a board member of Zain Saudi Arabia, an operation that launched commercial 2G and 3.5G services in August 2008, and added 2.01 million users by the end of the year, reflecting a market share of seven per cent.

Zain spokespeople are describing the change in top management in Saudi as a planned development, though it is the first time that group CEO has taken the reins of a country operation since ascending to becoming managing director of MTC Group and later CEO of Zain Group. Information received by Comm. in February had suggested that a re-shuffle was imminent at Zain Saudi.

Zain competes with STC and Mobily in the mobile space. “With the robustness of the Saudi economy playing a decisive role, we are very confident that Zain Saudi Arabia will be a shining star among the Zain group of companies and we expect that the huge investment in the brand and network to date will see even better results for 2009 and beyond,” commented Al- Barrak recently.

Zain paid over US$6 billion for its Saudi mobile licence.