Kawaya Saleh - Telecoms Professional, Ericsson MEA

Feedback from Kawaya’s ex-colleagues

Let me see

Keep in touch with meI'm using Intch to connect with new people. Use this link to open chat with me via Intch app

Work Background

Resource & Technology FirmExecutive Head - Growth & Innovation

Jan. 2023

EricssonHead of CS Core

Apr. 2016 - Jan. 2023Johannesburg Area, South AfricaResponsible for developing the Go-To-Market strategy for the Communication Services portfolio across MMEA. Driving business development for 2G/3G/4G communication services portfolio and developing industrialized-standardized delivery model to ensure cost-effective execution. Driving the introduction of Telco Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Riched Communication Services (RCS) towards MNO's as a growth strategy for both consumer and enterprise markets

Ericsson RSSAEngagement Manager: Core and Cloud Solutions

Nov. 2014 - Apr. 2016Johannesburg Area, South AfricaBusiness development focused role with primary focus on Mobile Switching and Cloud Infrastructure portfolio. Mandated to grow Ericsson MSS market share by modernizing the existing footprint and expanding into new technologies such as NFV as well IMS. Assigned to support Customer units in West-Central Africa as these markets are in the growth phase of communication services.

Mott MacDonaldProject Director: Technology and Communication Africa

Nov. 2010 - Dec. 2012Johannesburg Area, South AfricaStrategy and Market Analysis driven role with focus on providing technical and market expertise to industry stakeholders (includes MNO's, Financial Institutes, Regulators) as Lenders Technical Advisor for large infrastructure and project finance initiatives.

Vodacom BusinessManager: Solution Support and Testing

Jan. 2010 - Nov. 2010Johannesburg Area, South AfricaHeld full accountability for managing post-sales activities for mobile data products, third-party solutions, converged client solutions, and customer premise equipment. Identified ongoing issues, formulated solutions, and implemented resolutions. Established service level standards; ensured adherence to performance standards. Produced reports and provided feedback to senior leadership regarding KPIs.

Ericsson MUSABusiness Development: Telecoms Solutiom Management

May. 2009 - Jan. 2010Johannesburg Area, South AfricaDirected all facets of business growth, sales, and management of business development. Formulated sales strategies focused on building solution sales throughout MUSA. Established and cultivated long-term relationships; developed and presented multimedia solutions, products, and features to both internal and external customers. Interacted extensively with diverse populations to facilitate promotion of sales development; provided information regarding product launches, enhancements, and competitive advantages. Actively participated in technical meetings; defined customer requirements, network evolution, and migration; prepared technical proposals and negotiated agreements with customers. Collaborated with virtual teams throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.

Nokia Siemens Networks MEASolution Sales Manager: IP & Transport

May. 2008 - Apr. 2009Johannesburg Area, South AfricaDeveloped customer-specific IPT solutions in support of Customer Team (CT) within the MEA region. Actively participated in technical discussions, SoC preparation, and product management during both pre-sales and after-sales. Communicated IPT strategies and roadmaps to Business Unit and Operators; defined customer requirements and negotiated cost-effective IPT solutions. Delivered internal / external presentations and seminars; relayed overall value and benefit of new products, feature packages, and “push the boundaries” products. Researched and compiled critical business intelligence data regarding main competitors.

Ericsson MUSAConsultant: Transport Network

May. 2005 - Apr. 2008Provided technical consulting services, specifically network design for GSM, CDMA Operators, and Private Telephony Operator (PTO). Communicated with clients in order to define and analyse technical requirements; developed and proposed solutions focused on achieving objectives. Designed access network for upgrade and rollout projects; analysed existing infrastructures, identified system weaknesses, and redesigned defective connections. Managed transmission route / capacity planning in support of GSM / CDMA network; conducted radio link site surveys. Produced comprehensive RFP documentation for core network dimensioning. Held accountability for overseeing inventory and warehouse management functions. Provided technical guidance and support throughout all phases of network rollout projects. Key Achievements:  Spearheaded various network projects; devised and implemented client-specific solutions, which consistently drove performance while instituting best practices.  Instrumental during Transmission Network Design project for Atlantic Telecoms; created high level design and installation documents, and coordinated onsite equipment layouts for installation team.  Defined and implemented crucial performance measurements; formulated action plans focused on avoiding transmission failures.  Instituted business-critical designs, solutions, and best practices; efforts optimised transmission networks, thereby ensuring maximum availability.  Established and maintained collaborative relationships with clients; effectively communicated technical concepts in an easily understandable manner.  Drove professional development by attending numerous technical training sessions / workshops presented in Sweden, South Africa, Backnang, Ireland, and Denmark.

Telkom SAOperational Specialist

Jan. 2004 - Apr. 2005Held full accountability for commissioning SDH add-drop multiplexers and line systems; prepared installation schematics, evaluated System Element Managers (SX-EM / EM-OS), and prioritised workflow to ensure timely completion of projects. Maintained synchronised clock systems, SDH digital cross-connects, and SDH regenerators. Analysed new technology concepts; conducted complex system fault simulations. Updated and maintained Telkom reference laboratory. Produced detailed test reports, work instructions, and system upgrade procedures. Selected Contributions: ♦ Conducted comprehensive inspections and performed functionality analysis in order to successfully troubleshoot and identify issues. ♦ Collaborated with technical colleagues in order to successfully resolve ongoing issues; performed intensive interface testing activities (PHD / SDH / DWDM / ATM), and acceptance testing (FOA).

Rand Afrikaans UniversityPhysics & Electronic Lab Demonstrator

Aug. 2002 - Aug. 2004Presented comprehensive demonstrations related to physics and electronic lab experiments. Interacted extensively with students; facilitated discussions regarding the focus, procedure, and expected result of experiments. Documented and relayed findings / results with group members.