Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 38 | Page 9

NEWS STC marks progression to Digital Transformation KSA is one of the world’s highest spenders on cybersecurity C ountries across the Middle East are stepping up cybersecurity measures in response to the recent surge in attacks, but none more so than KSA. According to a recent MarketsandMarkets report, the Middle East’s cybersecurity market is expected to grow from US$11.38 billion in 2017 to US$22.4 billion in 2022, with KSA expected to have the largest share during the five-year period. As it fortifies its regional presence in its second decade of operations, ‘disruptive distributor’ Spire Solutions is expanding its business footprint into KSA with local presence in Riyadh by adding a new country manager, Ehab Derbas, to direct its operations there. Derbas has extensive experience in sales and management, with an emphasis on IT and cybersecurity. With over 18 years of experience, he helps organisations understand risk and adopt effective defence strategies and solutions. T he opening of a new high-tech store in KSA has been praised for marking a progressive step towards digitisation. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Khalid Abdullah Al Faisal, STC Chairman of the Board, inaugurated the first innovative digital store of its kind in KSA, adopting the best international practices and enriching the customer experience. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Eng Nasser bin Sulaiman Al Nasser, STC Group CEO, as well as Eng Ulaiyan Al Wetaid, VIVA Bahrain CEO, along with Eng Emad A Alaoudah, STC Channels Chairman, and Eng Faisal Alsaber, STC Channels CEO. www.intelligentcio.com His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Khalid Abdullah Al Faisal described the new store as “a wonderful step taken towards achieving digitisation” requiring a change in the way customers are interacted with that is in line with the digital age. The store offers 24-hour customer self-service through dedicated devices. Its opening has reinforced STC’s commitment to achieving Digital Transformation across multiple channels, such as the MySTC application. All STC services will be provided to transform the STC store into a dedicated platform capable of meeting all the requirements and aspirations of its customers. He said: “Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s highest spenders on cybersecurity and with good reason. It has a robust economy with some of the region’s biggest organisations, a large population, a strategic geographic location and a strong consumer spending power. “All of this makes it an extremely attractive target for cybercriminals, which explains its growing need for security.” Avinash Adavani, CEO at Spire Solutions, added: “With its trusted portfolio of services and solutions to defend against cyberattacks, Spire Solutions is well positioned to meet KSA’s security needs. “This strategic expansion, with local presence in Riyadh and experienced leadership to drive regional operations and sales, will help cement our presence in the market.” INTELLIGENTCIO 9