DUBAI - Wataniya Telecom, Kuwait's mobile services provider, has announced the appointment of Harri Koponen, as its new Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1st September 2004.
Koponen comes to Wataniya Telecom with extensive telecommunications experience, recently serving as Deputy CEO of TeliaSonera Ab (merger between Swedish and Finnish Telecoms) where he was responsible for the company's international operations including Eurasia, Russia and Turkey, as well as international carrier.
Faisal Al Ayyar, Chairman, Wataniya Telecom, said: "Harri Koponen is bringing with him solid expertise in developing market dynamics and his valuable operator experience will undoubtedly help to develop the mobile communications market in Kuwait. We welcome Harri to Wataniya Telecom family and we are sure that his tremendous experience will further drive consolidated growth for both Wataniya Telecom and the Kuwait market."
Koponen, said: "I am very pleased to be joining Wataniya Telecom, a market leader in Kuwait with numerous successes in the region. Having worked in many venture or developing markets before, I am especially pleased to join a company like Wataniya Telecom which has based its success on service quality leadership and commitment to advanced technology for the benefit of its customers."
Meanwhile, LogicaCMG announced its selection to provide a Next Generation Messaging solution to Wataniya Algeria. Wataniya has secured one of three GSM network licences awarded in Algeria. Wataniya Algeria is deploying Next Generation Messaging architecture that provides network operators with a cost-effective solution in every phase of market development whilst preparing networks to accommodate future service demands.
Joseph Ged, chief technical officer, Wataniya Telecom, said: "The market for mobile services is growing at an astonishing rate in Algeria, creating exciting new opportunities for us as a major provider of SMS and other value-added mobile services. Our strategy to invest in new markets such as this has led to us operating GSM networks in several high-growth territories, including Kuwait and Iraq where we are also working with LogicaCMG. We are pleased to continue developing this business relationship in the confidence that we are building a solid platform for our mobile services."
Dr. Bhanu Sud, LogicaCMG's director and general manager, wireless business, Middle East and North Africa, said: "This project with Wataniya enables us to secure a firm footing in the Algerian market and we see this agreement as a precursor to similar deals in the region. The African continent is one of the fastest growing mobile markets in the world, with mobile phone usage rocketing in many countries. LogicaCMG's technology, in partnership with Siemens Mobile Networks, will enable Wataniya Algeria to deliver services that meet the growing demands of the region's users."
BY A STAFF REPORTER
© Khaleej Times 2004
