Lobna Helal, a female pioneer In Egypt’s banking sector, has been appointed as the new Chair of Telecom Egypt’s Board of Directors, marking another milestone in her distinguished career. Helal, renewed for her exceptional leadership and commitment to driving economic growth, takes over from former Minister of Communications, Magdy Osman.
A Seasoned Leader with Extensive Experience in Strategic Management
Lobna Helal’s appointment as Chairman of Telecom Egypt is the culmination of her long and storied career, where she has consistently proven her ability to lead in times of change and uncertainty. Prior to this, Helal made history as Egypt’s first female deputy governor of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) in 2011, a role she resigned from in 2013 before returning to lead the CBE once more in 2015.
Throughout her career, Helal has been an advocate for financial reform, technological advancement, and sustainable economic growth. As the new Chairman of Telecom Egypt, she brings with her a wealth of knowledge, particularly in navigating complex economic challenges and steering large organizations through periods of transformation.
A Revitalized Board to Lead Telecom Egypt’s Next Phase of Growth
The newly formed board of Telecom Egypt reflects a dynamic blend of experienced leaders and fresh perspectives. In addition to Lobna Helal, the board includes Mohamed Nasser as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director, along with key figures such as Ayman Mostafa, Tarek Abu Alam, and Tarek Tantawy, who represent the public sector. The inclusion of Mohamed Hanafy Abdel Monem as a representative of the General Union of Telecom Egypt Workers further strengthens the company’s commitment to employee engagement and collective governance.
Furthermore, four independent board members—Mohamed Kamel El-Barkat, Georges Tharwat Abdel-Shahid, Atef Abdel-Latif El-Maghraby, and Hosam Abdel-Hamid Seif El-Din—bring valuable expertise to the table, ensuring strong governance practices and effective decision-making processes.
Financial Performance and Strategic Goals: A Vision for the Future
Telecom Egypt has recently demonstrated resilience in the face of market challenges, reporting a net profit of EGP 10.11 billion for 2024, a slight decrease compared to EGP 11.72 billion in 2023. Despite this minor decline, the company remains well-positioned for long-term growth, thanks to its robust financial foundations and commitment to innovation.
Under Lobna Helal’s leadership, Telecom Egypt aims to continue enhancing its financial performance while focusing on expanding its market share, improving customer experience, and investing in cutting-edge technology. This will include initiatives aimed at boosting digital infrastructure, enhancing mobile services, and promoting financial inclusion across Egypt.
A Focus on Innovation and Sustainability
Helal’s tenure at the CBE was marked by her role in managing Egypt’s monetary policy during periods of significant economic reform. Her deep understanding of financial systems and governance will be instrumental in guiding Telecom Egypt through its next stage of development, especially as the company seeks to align with Egypt’s broader economic goals, including digital transformation and social development.
In her new role, Helal will oversee the implementation of Telecom Egypt’s strategy to enhance its service offerings, increase profitability, and expand its footprint in the region. With a focus on innovation, the company aims to solidify its position as a leader in the competitive telecom market.
Commitment to Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility
Helal’s leadership philosophy has always emphasized the importance of teamwork, transparency, and social responsibility. As Lobna Helal takes the reins of Telecom Egypt, the company is poised to embark on an ambitious journey toward innovation, growth, and transformation. With her extensive experience in managing large-scale reforms and navigating complex economic landscapes, Helal is well-equipped to steer Telecom Egypt into a new era of success.
