The new MENA lead brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked with major corporations like NCR, EMC and Oracle, where he served in multiple senior leadership positions—most recently as Vice President of Business Applications. Al-Tawil has led large-scale projects across business functions and companies, leveraging leading business and technology practices to deliver effective and efficient ways of working, whilst driving ongoing scale and growth.
The appointment further strengthens Equinix’s developing business in the MENA region, as the company supports organizations with deploying interconnection and other digital strategies to unlock growth in new markets, diversify and improve business and financial performance.
Al-Tawil said: “Having worked in the IT industry for 25 years, I am familiar with Equinix’s business and the critical role interconnection can play in digitizing businesses for success in today’s environment.
“I am looking forward to continuing Equinix’s expansion in the MENA region, helping organizations in their digital transformation journeys as they look to innovate and grow.”
The Middle East has proven to be an exciting market of growth for cloud adoption, with cloud becoming a key component of the region’s digital transformation.
According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), investments in digital transformation and innovation will account for 30% of all IT spending in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META) by 2024, up from 18% in 2018.
Equinix’s 2019-20 Global Tech Trends Survey, found over two-thirds (67%) of UAE IT decision-makers view digitising their IT infrastructure as a priority.
Seven out of 10 (72%) IT decision-makers surveyed in the UAE consider moving infrastructure to the digital edge a priority for their organization’s technology strategy.
Equinix’s presence in the United Arab Emirates is the result of an alliance partnership with Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC (commercially branded as du).
du’s datamena services—only available in Equinix’s UAE data centres—include a transit zone that offers regional and international connectivity to customers, enabling cost-effective hosting, distribution of content, and trade data capacity.
Equinix currently operates three data centres in the UAE—two in Dubai, and one in Abu Dhabi.
Commenting on Al-Tawil’s appointment, Judith Gardiner, Vice President, Growth and Emerging Markets, Equinix, said: “We are excited to have Kamel on board as our new Managing Director for MENA as the region pivots towards digital transformation in its next phase of growth.
“Kamel will continue the development of our business in-region, supporting organizations with their digital transformation strategies and delivering real value to customers, staff, partners, shareholders, and other stakeholders.”
