Cisco has appointed Ali Amer as its new managing director for global service provider sales for the Middle East and Africa regions.

Cisco says Amer will work closely with the regions' mobile operators to develop their digital transformation roadmaps as they evolve their business and revenue models to meet the growing demand for data services and financial and commercial services.

"He will be responsible for helping telecommunications service providers transform their networks, businesses and customers' experiences to capture digital era opportunities."

In addition to driving the segment's sales strategy and growth across MEA, he will also focus on streamlining business operations, including sales and channel strategy, business development and customer support.

"It gives me great pleasure to announce Ali as the new leader for our Service Provider business in the Middle East and Africa," said Peter Karlstromer, senior vice president for global service provider sales, Cisco EMEA, to whom Amer will report directly to.

"Ali is a highly regarded leader known for his close working relationships and deep understanding of the telecoms industry landscape. His expertise and ability to build high performance teams will undoubtedly accelerate our momentum in delivering the digital ecosystem and network infrastructure that our customers need to capture rising opportunities," added Karlstromer.

Amer joined Cisco in 2013, most recently serving as Managing Director for Cisco's Service Provider segment in the Middle East and Turkey. According to Cisco, he brings to the role over 25 years of industry experience and was previously the Senior Telecom and IT Consultant in the same unit, advising multinationals and start-ups on market entrance and go-to-market strategies in the region.

Prior to Cisco, Amer spent fifteen years at Motorola Networks rising to the position of Vice President and General Manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, where he ran an organisation of 2 500 employees and business professionals with annual revenues in excess of US$1 billion.

"I am excited to take on this expanded role within our Service Provider business as Cisco continues to push the envelope with solutions, technologies and a vision that drives exponential value and success for our customers and partners," said Amer.

"With its significant growth potential, a rapidly expanding population, and increasing smartphone penetration, the telecommunications market in the Middle East and Africa is at an important junction," he added.