A Leader with a Mission to Digitally Uplift a Nation

Hussain Niyaz

Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)

Hussain Niyaz’s path from military signals expert to Chief Commercial Officer at Ooredoo Maldives highlights his versatile leadership and dedication to progress. After spending 12 years in the Maldives National Defense Force, where he honed his technical skills in electronics and communications, Niyaz transitioned to the telecom sector. His shift from a technical role to a commercial one marked a defining moment in his career, helping reshape Ooredoo Maldives’ market position. Under his leadership, the company achieved significant milestones, including surpassing longestablished local competitors in market share. Niyaz’s approach goes beyond just driving numbers; he is a staunch advocate for digital transformation that is inclusive and peoplefocused. He strongly believes in empowering every segment of society, from schoolchildren to senior citizens, through digital literacy programs, educational partnerships, and local council engagements. By bridging the gap between technology and everyday life, Niyaz ensures that the benefits of connectivity reach all corners of the nation. As a leader, Niyaz’s authenticity, technical expertise, and ability to communicate across diverse groups have made him a driving force in the digital transformation of the Maldives. His mission is clear: to bridge the digital divide and lead the nation into a techempowered tomorrow. TradeFlock interviewed Niyaz to explore his journey.

Can you share a bit about your journey and key milestones?

I began my career in the military, serving 12 years in communications, which laid a strong foundation in discipline and technical expertise. Recognising the rise of telecom, I joined Ooredoo Maldives as a technician and steadily advanced to become Head of Networks, overseeing nationwide infrastructure. A major turning point came when I was appointed to lead the commercial division, which was an unconventional move that combined technical insight with business strategy. This transition proved pivotal: within few years, we captured significant market share from a dominant local competitor, redefining Ooredoo’s position in the industry and marking a landmark achievement in my career.

How does your role as CCO today differ from your earlier days in technology?

My role has shifted significantly. While I was once focused on hands-on technical work, today, my focus is on building business strategy, leading brand marketing, customer service, sales, and distribution. It’s about understanding market dynamics and customer behaviour and driving business growth, which is both challenging and rewarding.

What are your top two strengths and areas for improvement?

My strongest asset is my technical expertise, which enables me to seamlessly bridge the gap between technology and business, ensuring customer needs are met with effective, innovative solutions. Another key strength is my local identity—this fosters trust and demonstrates that cutting-edge technology can be relevant and impactful in our unique context. As for areas of improvement, staying ahead of every emerging technology is a challenge, but I actively collaborate with my technical team to ensure I remain at the forefront of innovation. I view this as an opportunity for growth and continuous learning.

How are you contributing to society and industry outside of business?

Beyond business, I’m passionate about knowledge sharing. For the past four years, I’ve served as a council member at Maldives National University, contributing real world knowledge and expertise to policy level decisions. I also collaborate with government bodies to push for digitisation, advocating for the adoption of digital platforms in public services. It’s all about planting the seeds for a digital future, one community at a time.

What strategies helped you drive market share growth during your transition to a commercial role?

The biggest challenge was earning trust in a market monopolized by a local competitor. As an international brand, we had to bridge that gap. I leveraged my technical background to simplify complex concepts and show how our technology could benefit key sectors like fishing, tourism, and small business. By personally visiting islands, engaging communities, and demonstrating the value of high-speed internet and digital solutions, we shifted perceptions. We weren’t just offering telecom services—we were delivering a vision of digital empowerment.

How are you promoting and onboarding customers to advanced digital services?

We focus on a people-centric approach to create awareness and onboard customers. We hold regular sessions with local communities, including schools, councils, and especially the elderly, to demonstrate how technology enhances their lives. We offer digital literacy programmes to help them adapt. Additionally, we awarded N. Landhoo the as the first digital island of the Maldives, a programme run closely with the island council that successfully adopt digital tools like portals and digital wallets. We were able to shift 90% of all transactions to digital methods. This initiative makes digital transformation tangible and inclusive for everyone.

Do you aspire to become a CEO in the future?

Absolutely. I’m always driven to grow and explore new areas. I never settle for the present; I continuously expand my knowledge and responsibilities. Eventually, I aspire to step into a bigger role, driven by my growth mindset and curiosity.