The telecommunications industry drives global connectivity, economic growth, and technological advancement. It catalyzes innovation, driving advancements in connectivity, digital services, and infrastructure. With the emergence of new technologies like 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence, this sector is adapting to meet growing demands while addressing regulatory, environmental, and consumer challenges. Its progression is about technological upgrades and ensuring inclusivity, security, and compliance within a global framework.
Murad Fares, the Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance Director, has established himself as a transformative leader within the industry. With a clear vision and a meticulous approach, he excels in aligning legal frameworks with organizational goals while cultivating innovation in compliance strategies. His leadership is marked by an ability to anticipate industry shifts and address intricate regulatory challenges, ensuring operational excellence and sustainable growth. By mentoring teams and promoting a culture of integrity and innovation, he continues to set benchmarks in legal leadership, shaping the industry’s curve with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
Zain Iraq is the region’s telecommunications leader, consistently expanding its capabilities to deliver advanced solutions. The company’s focus on integrating legal and regulatory compliance into its operational strategy underscores its commitment to sustainable growth and innovation. From addressing emerging challenges like data protection and FinTech to pioneering advancements in digital infrastructure, Zain Iraq showcases its ability to adapt and lead in a competitive market. With a robust framework supported by visionary leadership, the company continues to redefine excellence in telecommunications services, ensuring value for its stakeholders and customers.
Let’s explore Murad’s visionary leadership in redefining telecommunications standards:
Aligning Legal Strategies with Business Goals
Murad’s career in law has been a journey defined by passion, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. He began his professional path with a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Amman National University, where he first developed a keen interest in the intersection of law, business, and technology. This foundation inspired him to pursue advanced studies, earning master’s degrees in Commercial Law from Birzeit University and Telecommunications and Intellectual Property Law from Duke University (USA).
He joined the Palestinian Telecommunications Company (PALTEL) early in his career as General Counsel. This role provided him extensive experience in commercial transactions, regulatory compliance, and competition law—all within the telecommunications domain. Over 20 years, he honed his ability to steer the intricate legal sector, which involved managing licensing, intellectual property, and vendor-related legal issues. Here, he recognized the power of legal consulting, especially in industries where technological advancements and regulatory frameworks intersect.
The decision to specialize in legal consulting arose from a desire to make a more direct and strategic impact. By establishing ITTQAN Consulting Services and joining Zain Iraq as the Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance Director, he found a platform to apply his expertise across diverse sectors. His focus has always been aligning legal strategies with business objectives, ensuring compliance, and encouraging innovation within regulatory frameworks.
Overseeing Legal and Regulatory Dimensions
Murad began his journey at Zain Iraq 8 years ago, gradually building a strong foundation in the company’s operations and regulatory framework. As the Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance Director at Zain Iraq, he oversees the legal and regulatory dimensions of the company’s operations, ensuring compliance with local and international legislation and standards.
His role involves steering the regulatory roadmap and policy development across several technology areas, including spectrum, digital infrastructure, industry taxation, and consumer protection, as well as in emerging areas such as personal data protection, digital identity, FinTech, and IoT.
He engages in a combination of strategic planning and operational execution daily. This includes advising on spectrum management and licensing, assessing regulatory impacts on new business models, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive key initiatives.
He maintains a proactive approach, staying ahead of regulatory changes to safeguard the company’s interests while encouraging innovation. Leading a talented team, he prioritizes clarity in communication, detailed analysis of legal implications, and a solution-oriented mindset.
Essential Traits for Legal Leadership
Leadership in the legal profession requires a blend of strategic and critical thinking, curiosity, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and an innovative approach to engaging with stakeholders. A successful leader must also possess the ability to navigate ambiguity while offering clear direction. Integrity and the courage to make difficult decisions based on sound legal reasoning are paramount.
Empowering and mentoring team members is another crucial aspect. Murad believes in creating a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued. At Zain Iraq, he has focused on building a cohesive team capable of handling high-stakes projects while maintaining an innovative approach. Strong communication skills, the ability to inspire trust, and a commitment to continuous learning are other indispensable traits for legal leadership.
Within the regulatory field, developing a deep appreciation of the needs is imperative. It wants various stakeholders (Zain Iraq business, governmental and international organizations, and others) to align these interests with local regulatory requirements, creating clear, actionable pathways for Zain Iraq to succeed.
Mentoring and Developing Confident Professionals
The most rewarding aspect of Murad’s role is the opportunity to drive meaningful change. He played a key role in managing and executing acquisitions through due diligence processes for several companies. His efforts ensured smooth transactions, minimized risks, and provided strategic insights for decision-making and deal success.
Additionally, guiding Zain Iraq through essential milestones, such as extending its license and launching 4G services, has been exceptionally fulfilling. These achievements required balancing intricate legal and regulatory challenges while aligning with business objectives.
Moreover, he takes pride in mentoring and watching his team grow into confident professionals. He is delighted to contribute to Zain Iraq’s strategic vision and knows that his work directly impacts the company’s success and its stakeholders.
Efficient Time Management and Task Delegation
Maintaining work-life balance in a field as demanding as legal consulting requires discipline and a clear sense of priorities. Murad focuses on efficient time management, delegating tasks effectively, and setting realistic expectations. Technology also plays a role, enabling him to stay organized and responsive without being overwhelmed.
Equally important is making time for family and personal growth. He believes in the value of quality time spent with loved ones and the rejuvenation that comes from pursuing hobbies or simply stepping away from work. Maintaining this balance ensures sustained productivity and mental well-being.
Collaborating with Regulatory Bodies
Murad believes staying ahead in an industry demands continuous learning and proactive engagement. Murad prioritizes attending industry seminars, participating in professional training programs, and collaborating with regulatory bodies. Engaging with academic institutions, such as his time as a lecturer, also helps him remain connected to the growing legal framework.
At Zain Iraq, he leads efforts to analyze and anticipate regulatory changes, ensuring the company is prepared for future challenges. He also believes in creating a culture of innovation within his team, encouraging them to explore creative solutions to challenging problems.
Commitment to Ethics and Lifelong Learning
Murad advises aspiring lawyers that building a career in consulting requires a strong foundation in legal principles and industry-specific knowledge. He highlights cultivating a broad skill set that includes strategic thinking, effective communication, and a deep understanding of the sectors one wishes to serve.
Networking is equally important. Building relationships with industry peers, mentors, and clients can open doors to valuable opportunities. Lastly, maintaining a commitment to ethics and lifelong learning is essential. The legal and regulatory field constantly grows, and staying relevant requires dedication and adaptability.
Within the regulatory domain, international trade and advocacy bodies and standards organizations have crucial roles in shaping a country’s regulatory frameworks. It is paramount to develop a good understanding of these organizations.
Contributing to Regulatory Reform in Telecommunications
At Zain Iraq, Murad’s professional goals include driving innovation in legal and regulatory practices to support the company’s growth. He mainly focuses on developing robust compliance frameworks for emerging technologies like AI, FinTech, and IoT. Another key objective is facilitating the transition to 5G services, which will require navigating intricate regulatory frameworks and aligning with international standards.
On a personal level, he aims to continue mentoring the next generation of legal and regulatory professionals, sharing his knowledge and experiences to inspire others to pursue excellence. He is also committed to contributing to broader discussions on regulatory reform in the telecommunications industry, helping shape policies that promote sustainable development and innovation.
