Najib Khan, the Managing Director and CEO of Ooredoo Maldives PLC, has revolutionized the digital landscape of the Maldives, transforming the company from a traditional telecom provider into a comprehensive digital lifestyle services provider. Under his leadership, Ooredoo Maldives has brought advanced Internet of Things (IoT) services to the islands, such as smart resort systems, personalized digital butlers, and seamless integration of entertainment, shopping, and financial services via digital platforms. The company’s services now span across 188 islands and 150 resorts, enhancing the digital lives of both residents and tourists.
Pioneering Digital Services
Ooredoo Maldives has expanded its reach beyond traditional telecom by launching a wide array of services. Their platforms include an e-commerce marketplace, ‘Moolee’, and the ‘My Ooredoo’ app that integrates telecom, financial, and e-commerce services into a single interface, becoming a “Super App.” The company has also introduced AI-powered customer service platforms and flexible mobile plans that cater to individual needs, solidifying its position as a leader in digital lifestyle solutions.
Inspired Leadership
Najib Khan’s leadership style is shaped by the values instilled in him by his late mother, from meticulous planning to giving more than receiving. His admiration for leaders like Bharti Airtel’s Chairman and Steve Jobs fuels his drive for continuous innovation. He believes in transforming organizations through purposeful leadership, fostering a culture that empowers teams and encourages growth. Khan’s leadership philosophy centers on crediting success to his teams while owning up to failures. He emphasizes that leadership is about creating more leaders and driving value through both long-term goals and short-term execution.
Defining Success
For Najib, success is about being impactful and effective. He believes that true leaders should focus on transforming the lives of their teams and creating fulfillment in the workplace. His approach to leadership is collaborative, working alongside his team as a co-creator while strategically guiding them toward the bigger vision. By emphasizing culture, Khan has proven that even a flawed strategy can succeed with proper execution.
Najib Khan characterizes the new breed of industry leader: one who makes a mark in a country not of his origin, and who sees the similarity in needs and wants the world over,says Shanggari Balakrishnan, CEO of MORS Group.
