Richard Taylor,
Stephen Ho,
Paul McCann,
Gregg Daffner,Appointment reflects growing impact of Middle East in Asia Pacific Region Doha, Qatar and Honolulu, HI, USA –
March 28th 2012: The Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC) announced today the appointment of Ahmed Mekky, Board Member and Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Bridge International (GBI), an international private fiber optic subsea cable company, to its 2012 Board of Governors.
PTC is a leading organization promoting the advancement and commercial use of information and communication technologies, services, policies, and knowledge to benefit its global members and countries of the Asia Pacific. Mr. Mekky joins the Board as the first CEO of a company from the Middle East, representing GBI’s interests and presence in the Asia Pacific region. He is accompanied on the Board by senior executives from the world’s leading companies.
"The PTC is a highly regarded industry body and I am honored to be appointed to the PTC Board of Governors" commented Ahmed Mekky. "I will strive to foster a stronger and constructive dialogue between the telecoms industry in the Middle East and the rest of the countries represented by the PTC. As one of Asia’s fastest growing regions, I know we can benefit from the knowledge and experience of PTC’s members and I will seek to share that knowledge as widely as possible."
As CEO of GBI, Mr. Mekky has built up an extensive network of contacts with leaders and senior
decision makers within telecom operators, regulators and Government leaders across the Middle East region. He will utilize these contacts and relationships to raise awareness of the PTC in the region and stimulate greater participation.
Without a doubt, the Asia Pacific region is the fastest growing and most dynamic of all markets for telecommunications and the PTC does an excellent job in promoting and advancing the industry. Within Asia, the telecoms landscape in the Gulf region and across the Middle East is undergoing a major transformation as markets deregulate and businesses and consumers increase their usage of communication-based products and services. Mr. Mekky understands the dynamics of the region, the industry and the key players involved and can draw on his experience and network to ensure that the Gulf region has a voice at PTC and fully participates in shaping the future.
As a founder and CEO of GBI, Mr. Mekky will bring a different perspective to the PTC. As a leading entrepreneur, he has created a carrier neutral network, which is challenging traditional business models in this market. His insight and unique knowledge and understanding will add a new dynamic and will be of tremendous benefit to the PTC.
"We are delighted to have an international executive of Mr. Mekky’s experience and stature join the Board," said Dr. Richard Taylor, President and Chairman of the PTC Board of Governors. "His company is establishing itself as a growing factor in the Asia Pacific region, as recognized by his appointment. And we greatly value the insights he can uniquely provide with respect to the Gulf Region," Dr. Taylor added.
Ahmed Mekky wants to "Connect the World to the Gulf." If the 21st Century is indeed the era of the Pacific, then it is crucial for the Gulf Region and Middle East to be involved so that knowledge and learning can be fully shared across the Asia Pacific region. Mr. Mekky will play an active part in facilitating this.
About Gulf Bridge International
Gulf Bridge International (GBI) is a private company dedicated to connecting all the nations of the Gulf region to one another and to the rest of the world, using the latest fiber optic technologies. The GBI cable will be developed and owned by GCC investors who are building this strategic infrastructure to serve the entire region. GBI intends to be the carrier’s carrier of choice for traffic to and from the Gulf, facilitating social and economic growth in the region. GBI’s cable system will provide telecom operators and other communications companies, both in the region and globally, with greater choice, value, diversity and resilience. For more information, please visit www.gbiinc.com
Harrison Rice
Edelman, UAE
Harrison.Rice@Edelman.com
M: +971 50 661 8611
L: +971 24178527
F: +971 24178500
About Pacific Telecommunications Council
Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC) is an international community of members from more than 60 nations with a shared vision to promote the development and use of telecommunications and information and communication technologies to enhance the lives of people living in the Pacific Hemisphere. The Council is the leading membership organization for telecommunications professionals with interests in the Asia-Pacific region.
For more information, please visit www.ptc.org.
PTC Secretariat
info@ptc.org
T: +1.808.941.3789
F: +1.808.944.4874
