Orange Group is set to shift the leadership of its Middle East and Africa operations into new hands, announcing that Yasser Shaker will become Executive Vice President and CEO of the region from July 1, 2025, a move it says reflects the Group’s confidence in the region’s growing strategic weight.
Shaker, who currently heads Orange Egypt, will be stepping into the role previously held by Jérôme Hénique, who has been appointed CEO of Orange France starting June 1, 2025.
The two transitions form part of a broader realignment at the top, intended to drive the company’s ambitions forward in both mature and emerging markets.
Hénique will remain on the Group Executive Committee and will also take up a seat on the Board of Directors of Orange MEA.
His new post follows the departure of Jean-François Fallacher, who will be taking up a leadership position at Eutelsat Group after a period of overseeing key strategic milestones within Orange’s French market.
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Christel Heydemann, Group CEO, welcomed the dual appointments with remarks that underlined the Group’s direction and confidence in its chosen leaders.
“Jérôme Hénique’s successful leadership of MEA operations and Yasser Shaker’s exceptional track record in Egypt make them the right people to lead our key markets,” she said.
“I have full confidence in their ability to drive continued growth and transformation across their respective regions as part of Orange’s broader ‘Lead the Future’ strategic plan.”
Shaker steps into the new role with more than 25 years of experience in telecommunications and technology.
At Orange Egypt, which he has led since 2018, he oversaw a period of sustained growth, even as the country faced considerable economic pressures.
His focus on digitalisation, service quality, and operational rigour has been credited with reshaping the company's direction.
Prior to that, he served as Chief Technology and Information Officer for Orange MEA, a post that immersed him in the operational dynamics of the region he will now lead.
His familiarity with the landscape is expected to provide continuity as well as fresh momentum.
The handover also marks the close of an era under Hénique, whose leadership helped transform Orange MEA into a high-growth segment for the Group.
During his tenure, the business expanded across 18 countries and grew its customer base to more than 135 million.
The region posted double-digit gains in both revenue and EBITDAaL, making it one of the strongest contributors to Orange’s global performance.
Shaker’s appointment signals an intention to build on this momentum, with particular attention likely to be given to deepening digital inclusion, fostering innovation, and unlocking new market opportunities.
The Group reported Sh5.6 trillion (approximately €40.3 billion) in revenue in 2024 and now serves nearly 300 million customers worldwide.
This leadership reshuffle, though centred on two individuals, signals a broader strategic alignment aimed at ensuring Orange’s long-term position in competitive telecom landscapes.
