Wataniya Telecom welcomes new Chief Strategy Officer to drive customer communication

Sonkin joined Wataniya Telecom September 1st, 2004 and will be focusing on strengthening Wataniya's position as a leader in customer service management as well as expanding its customer base into new target segments.

"We are pleased to welcome Niklas Sonkin on board with us here at Wataniya," said Faisal Al Ayyar, Chairman Wataniya Telecom. "Niklas will play a key role in developing strategies that will keep Wataniya Telecom on the top of its game and maintain its position as a leading operator, while helping expand our customer base into more vertical segments including the governmental and enterprise markets. As the organization grows, and competition becomes greater across the region, Wataniya Telecom is constantly seeking resources with the capabilities to drive and add value to its operations."

Sonkin comes to Wataniya with a strong history in the telecom industry, from the position of Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Strategy at TeliaSonera Ab Headquarters in Sweden. Sonkin joined Sonera in 1989 working in data, voice, internet, application and value added services after which he took over the post of Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer. Sonkin played a key role in the planning for Sonera's merger with Telia including marketing, strategy and synergy planning.

"Wataniya Telecom is a great place to be right now," said Sonkin. "It is a leading operator around the region and has made some impressive expansion over the past couple of years. I am definitely looking forward to working with Wataniya and to be part of this dynamic market. Kuwait has a very mobile savvy population and we're definitely looking forward to developing and providing services for them based on understanding their needs and genuine demand through clear communication channels."