Chief Strategy & Regulatory Officer (Confidential)
Location: Bahrain
This is a rare opportunity to step into a CXO role reporting directly to the CEO and Board, at a major business operating at the intersection of telecom, digital infrastructure, fintech, and enterprise technology.
The organisation is entering a critical phase of its evolution. With a clear multi-year strategy already in motion, the focus now shifts from design to execution, optimisation, and value creation at scale, while preparing to develop a new subsequent long-term strategy for continued growth.
This role sits at the centre of that journey.
You will act as a strategic integrator across the business, translating group-level ambition into locally relevant, commercially viable outcomes, while ensuring strong regulatory positioning and disciplined performance delivery.
This is not a pure strategy role. It is about owning outcomes, shaping decisions at the highest level, and ensuring that strategy becomes reality.
The Opportunity
You will:Work directly with the CEO and Executive Committees on the most important decisions in the businessOwn and drive execution of a multi-year strategy, treating it as your ownPlay a central role in shaping future growth strategies across digital, fintech, and adjacent areasLead critical regulatory relationships and influence external outcomesTranslate complex, cross-functional performance into clear, actionable insight for leadership and the BoardThis is a role for someone who wants real impact, visibility, and accountability.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategy Leadership & ExecutionTake ownership of the existing multi-year strategy and drive its successful execution across the organisationTranslate strategic priorities into clear, measurable plans, aligned to capital allocation and business performanceLead deep strategic analysis across growth areas including digital, fintech, and new market opportunitiesIdentify and evaluate partnerships, M&A, and expansion opportunities to support long-term value creationPrepare the organisation for its next strategic cycle while ensuring current priorities are fully deliveredPerformance Governance & Value CreationEstablish and lead enterprise-wide performance governance frameworksEnsure strategic priorities are tracked, measured, and executed with disciplineProvide clear visibility of performance to the Executive Committee and BoardTranslate complex operational and financial data into concise, decision-ready insightsDrive improved decision quality through analytics-led thinking and structured evaluationRegulatory Leadership & External EngagementLead relationships with regulators and key external stakeholders, ensuring strong credibility and influenceShape regulatory strategy to support commercial growth and innovationSecure approvals and enablement for new products, fintech initiatives, and infrastructure investmentsProvide high-quality regulatory and strategic counsel to senior leadershipExecutive Influence & CommunicationAct as a trusted advisor to the CEO, providing clear, solution-oriented recommendationsLead board-level presentations, adapting between high-level summaries and detailed analysis as requiredEnsure strong information flow across the leadership team and alignment on key prioritiesLeadershipLead and develop a high-performing team across strategy and regulatory functionsFoster a culture of accountability, clarity, and execution excellence
Candidate ProfileWe are looking for a senior leader who combines strategic depth with execution capability.Experience15+ years of progressive experience, with significant time at senior leadership or ExCo levelBackground in telecom, digital infrastructure, fintech, ICT, or similarly regulated environmentsStrong track record in strategy development and executionExperience engaging with regulators and navigating complex external environmentsExposure to partnerships, M&A, or corporate development is highly valuableBackgroundStrategy consulting experience (e.g. top-tier or equivalent) is highly regardedExperience operating within complex, matrixed or group environments is advantageousCapabilitiesStrong commercial and financial acumenAbility to translate complexity into clear, actionable insightHigh credibility with senior stakeholders internally and externallyStructured thinker with strong problem-solving capabilityComfortable operating between detail and big-picture strategyOtherArabic is a plus, not essentialInternational experience is welcomed, GCC experience especially so
Why This RoleThis is a high-impact, high-visibility position for someone who wants to:Operate at the centre of decision-makingShape the future direction of a complex, evolving businessDrive real, measurable outcomes rather than theoretical strategyBuild a legacy through execution, not just planning
Inclusive HiringWe are committed to building diverse and inclusive leadership teams.We welcome applications from local, regional, and international candidates, and encourage individuals from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.Compensation is competitive and aligned with the seniority and impact of the role.For any queries about the role, please reach out to George Berry, Head of Search at Aventus Global.
