Iqbal Butt
IT & Telecom C Level Management
Summary
A results-oriented and forward-thinking technology leader recognized for achieving substantial multimillion-dollar savings through the effective implementation of enterprise-level technology solutions and the formulation of innovative strategic initiatives. I am a resourceful big-picture thinker who adeptly advances business objectives through exceptional technical leadership, profound business acumen, successful vendor negotiations, and the implementation of impactful cost-saving initiatives. My expertise spans across critical operational domains, including: Global Resource and Project Management, IT Project Management, Telecommunications & Networks Technology Strategic Planning, Financial Controls Leadership, and Executive Leadership.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Nearshore Center, Pakistan (Middle East & Africa)
Ericsson
9 2020 - Current
- Currently, I lead the Nearshore Center Pakistan, a pivotal support hub for IT & ADM across the Middle East & Africa region, catering to esteemed clients such as STC KSA, Mobily KSA, DU UAE, Etisalat UAE, Zain Bahrain, Zain Kuwait, Ooredoo Qatar, Unitel Angola, MTN Rwanda, VEON Pakistan/JAZZ & Telenor Pakistan
- Established and grew the Nearshore Center from inception, supporting over 200 employees across 14 countries
- Notably achieved a stellar performance in 2023, generating $20 million in business with accolades as the best performer
- Successfully met regional diversity goals in 2023, elevating women employees in my IT department from 7% to 20%, garnering special appreciation
- Ranked as the top performer in the MMEA region with an eSAT team score of 86/100
- Realized multi-million-dollar cost savings for Ericsson through the delivery of low-budget projects in the MMEA region
- Led the migration of Ericsson Charging System and the upgrade of Ericsson Order Care & CatLog Manager systems at Ooredoo Qatar
- Delivered the Mobily KSA Hajj project, incorporating AI system automation, earning customer recognition
- Initiated a graduate training program, scouting talent from top universities, and enabling them for AI Automation with a commitment to 50% diversity
- Established the MFS Telenor NOC at Ericsson's office with AI & Automation, serving as the regional HQ
- Successfully deployed Ericsson Order Care & Catlog Manager system in STC KSA for 12 million subscribers
- Motivated teams through multiple team-building initiatives across Pakistan
- Designed and executed a low-cost budget program in the Region MMEA from the Nearshore Center Pakistan.
Chief Operating Officer, Managed Services Jazz
Ericsson
09.2018 - 08.2020
- As MSCOO, led the Jazz project overseeing IT & Network performance nationwide, managing a team of 110 in IT and 255 in network performance
- Spearheaded Pakistan's largest digital transformation, the $125-million Jazz IT BSS project in 2020 for 100 million subscribers
- Streamlined Jazz IT from 183 applications to a single IT BSS application, resulting in a $25 million cost savings
- Transformed the -186% IT BSS business into a +8% positive margin in 2019, earning recognition from Ericsson's regional head
- Delivered network performance business with a 27% positive margin in 2019, receiving appreciation for the achievement
- Successfully implemented the largest Ericsson charging system, involving the migration of 600 digital channels
- Introduced a new design for Jazz's IT BSS system in 2018, marking a significant milestone in the transformation journey
- Led the Jazz transition project, insourcing 135 Jazz IT employees into Ericsson, aligning them with Ericsson's global culture, handling payroll, and achieving zero downtime.
Head of FSO (Field Services Organization)
Ericsson
09.2013 - 08.2018
- Managed Warid Telecom's 2G/4G network operation at Ericsson Pakistan, overseeing 350 employees in Managed Services for the past decade
- As the leader of FSO MS Warid at Ericsson Pakistan, directed 130 resources in NOC and Field Operations, with responsibilities spanning various sections such as NOC operation (Transmission Networks, Core & Access TRX, DWDM, IP/MPLS, GPRS, IN, VAS, Network Security, HR, and IT), as well as Field Operations
- Held accountability for end-to-end business operations, cost and budget management, competence oversight, and KPI fulfillment
- Ensured the delivery, profitability, and performance of Managed Services while serving as the primary interface with Warid Telecom
- This FSO setup not only secured the Managed Services contract but also enhanced business margins through the delivery of quality services.
Transition Manager, BSS Digital Stack (STA)
Ericsson Pakistan
11.2016 - 05.2018
- Oversaw an IT project to digitize and globalize the Business Support System using Ericsson software and cloud technology
- Managed budget, established project governance, mitigated project risks, and secured applications, support, and license contracts.
- Established an organization of 110 resources of IT BSS.
Transition Manager, Turk Cell Turkey (STA)
Ericsson Pakistan
09.2014 - 12.2014
- Led a project to transform Turkey operations, implementing new processes, the Ericsson Governance Model, and MSTOP best practices
- Developed and tested applications managed the budget, and ensured flawless customer delivery.
Sr. Manager Transport Networks (ISP setup)
Ericsson
08.2007 - 09.2013
- In 2005, Warid Telecom awarded Ericsson the Managed Services contract to oversee its high-quality network in Pakistan
- The scope covered the entire GSM network, encompassing end-to-end operations, NOC, transmission, field maintenance, and NPO
- As Senior Manager of Transmission Networks, I led the NOC function, overseeing Core & Access TRX, DWDM, IP/MPLS, GPRS, and Network Security
- I ensured the delivery and business performance of Managed Services, serving as the main interface with Warid Telecom management for the operation and maintenance of the multi-vendor (Ericsson & Huawei) GSM network
- My responsibilities included end-to-end network delivery and budgeting.
Transition Manager, MTN Afghanistan
Ericsson Pakistan
06.2012 - 07.2012
- Delivered complete managed services for MTN Afghanistan's Telco and Non-Telco 2G/3G networks and IT
- Established an MS NOC, selected ASP for Non-Telco areas, managed 3PP contracts, and seamlessly delivered the project to the customer.
Transition Manager, Etisalat Egypt
Ericsson Pakistan
02.2011 - 08.2011
- Supervised the successful delivery of Etisalat Egypt's services (IPBB, VAS, Field Maintenance, NPO, and Network Security) for 2G/3G
- Conducted organizational audits, identified network operation benchmarks, optimized costs, and created a competence plan for the newly established NOC & FM.
Manager MPBN & GSM NW Security
WARID Telecom
03.2006 - 07.2007
- Warid Telecom, established in 2005 with Ericsson technology, achieved top-quality service among all Pakistani operators
- I led MPBN GSM Operation, specializing in IP networks, and designed MPBN and GSM network security
- Delivered Pakistan's first IP/MPLS Phase-V Security design, handling Voice, SIGTRAN, and real-time charging traffic.
National Manager IT Infrastructure and IT Security
PAKTEL Ltd.
09.2001 - 03.2006
- IT and Security Manager for Paktel and Instaphone, overseeing 40 employees in 16 cities
- Managed IT infrastructure, Billing, and NW security teams post-merger, the largest cellular network in Pakistan
- Led the successful merger of two cellular companies, delivering end-to-end projects with tight timelines.
Network Specialist/Asst Manager
INSTAPHONE Pvt.
04.1998 - 08.2001
- IT Network Specialist work for LAN/WAN, system administration/projects
- Responsible for the IT Infrastructure Country design and Operation
- Fully involved in budgeting and IT networks
- Providing support to billing operation and call center operation countrywide
- Responsible for Network Security Operation.
Education
Skills
Transition & Transformation expertiseundefined
Awards
- Champion’s Award 2023 – Key Contributor Award by regional Vice President
- Champion’s Award 2022 – Best performance Regional Award by President
- Impact Award 2020 – Top Performer Regional Award by President with 1 million PKR
- Key contributor Award - 2019
- Leaders in Ericsson ~ 2015 Malaysia
- Leading 4 Results ~ 2015 Turkey
- Award of Outstanding Achievement on successful NOC migration and financial control ~ Ericsson Pakistan (2014)
- Award of Outstanding Achievement on completion of MPBN role out ~ Ericsson Pakistan (2009)
- Leadership training (LCC) 2008
- Ericsson BUGS senior certified Consultant 2008 ~ Ericsson Middle East
- Award Silent Worrier on achievement of Operational KPI by 99.999% ~ Warid Telecom (2006)
- Outstanding performance Award in Year 2005 ~ Paktel
Training
- SIGTRAIN in GSM Network ~ Dubai
- Next Generation Network Security ~ Dubai
- Advance Network Security Techniques ~ Dubai
Timeline
Chief Operating Officer, Managed Services Jazz
Ericsson
09.2018 - 08.2020
Transition Manager, BSS Digital Stack (STA)
Ericsson Pakistan
11.2016 - 05.2018
Transition Manager, Turk Cell Turkey (STA)
Ericsson Pakistan
09.2014 - 12.2014
Head of FSO (Field Services Organization)
Ericsson
09.2013 - 08.2018
Transition Manager, MTN Afghanistan
Ericsson Pakistan
06.2012 - 07.2012
Transition Manager, Etisalat Egypt
Ericsson Pakistan
02.2011 - 08.2011
Sr. Manager Transport Networks (ISP setup)
Ericsson
08.2007 - 09.2013
Manager MPBN & GSM NW Security
WARID Telecom
03.2006 - 07.2007
National Manager IT Infrastructure and IT Security
PAKTEL Ltd.
09.2001 - 03.2006
Network Specialist/Asst Manager
INSTAPHONE Pvt.
04.1998 - 08.2001
Head of Nearshore Center, Pakistan (Middle East & Africa)
Ericsson
9 2020 - Current
Similar Profiles
Gaurav BorahGaurav Borah
Automated Operation Engineer at EricssonAutomated Operation Engineer at Ericsson
Divya KadiyamDivya Kadiyam
Biz Intelligence Database Administrator at EricssonBiz Intelligence Database Administrator at Ericsson
SAMUJJAL KALITASAMUJJAL KALITA
Automation Manager at EricssonAutomation Manager at Ericsson
INNOCENT TORORIINNOCENT TORORI
SMA Line Lead at EricssonSMA Line Lead at Ericsson
Arvind Kumar TiwariArvind Kumar Tiwari
Project Manager IT at HCL TechnologyProject Manager IT at HCL Technology