Robi Axiata PLC has appointed Ziad Shatara as its new managing director and chief executive officer. The appointment will take effect from 1 September 2025.
The decision was approved by Robi’s board of directors. Shatara will take over from current acting CEO M. Riyaaz Rasheed, who will return to his role as chief financial officer after the transition.
Shatara brings over 30 years of telecommunications experience across multiple markets. His previous roles include leadership positions in Jordan, Italy, Bangladesh and Cambodia. Most recently, he served as CEO of Cambodia’s Smart Axiata.
A seasoned telecom leader and transformation architect, Ziad has a proven ability to scale operations, modernize businesses, and reimagine growth strategies in dynamic, high-potential markets, Robi said in a statement.
Ziad has held key leadership roles in multiple global communications and technology companies, where he consistently delivered sustainable growth and operational excellence.
He was the Chief Technology Officer at Wind Telecommunications in Italy before becoming the Chief Executive Officer of Banglalink Digital Communications Ltd. in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
He spent seven years as the Chief Executive Officer of Jordan’s leading mobile network provider, Umniah, before joining Smart Axiata of Cambodia, where he was instrumental in driving organizational transformation and building high-performing team that sustainably delivered stellar financial performance.
Robi chairman Thayaparan Sangarapillai welcomed the appointment. He described Shatara as a visionary leader with a strong track record in organisational transformation. The chairman expressed confidence in Shatara’s ability to drive innovation and growth.
The leadership change comes at a critical time for Bangladesh’s telecoms sector. Operators are preparing for new technological developments including 5G rollout. Robi currently ranks as the country’s second-largest mobile network operator.
The company is majority-owned by Malaysia’s Axiata Group, which holds 61.82% shares. India’s Bharti Airtel owns 28.18%, with the remaining 10% held by public shareholders.
Shatara’s appointment reflects Robi’s commitment to strengthening its market position. His experience leading digital transformations is expected to benefit the company’s future strategy.
