Kuwait's Zain COO al Jaber to leave at June-end

DUBAI, UAE: The chief operating operator of Kuwait's Zain will leave the telecoms carrier at the end of June, the firm said on Tuesday, after less than three months in the job.

Abdul Malek al Jaber, who joined Zain as chief executive of its Jordan unit in July 2009, was also appointed chief operating officer of the parent company in March, performing dual roles.

Jaber said in a statement he will now spend more time with his family and focus on personal business interests.

Ahmad al Hanandeh will become chief executive of Zain Jordan from July 1 while Zain group chief executive Nabil bin Salama will also take on the role of chief operating officer until further notice, a company spokesman said.

In March, UAE's Etisalat withdrew a $12 billion takeover offer for Zain.

Zain has provisionally agreed to sell its quarter-stake in affiliate Zain Saudi to joint bidders Kingdom Holding 4280.SE and Bahrain Telecommunications.