Dr Ali Azwar has been appointed Managing Director of the State Electric Company (STELCO), marking the latest leadership change at the state-owned utility.
The appointment was confirmed by the Privatization and Corporatization Board. Azwar assumes the role after serving as Deputy Managing Director and overseeing the company in an acting capacity since January.
He replaces Ahmed Shamah Rasheed, who was dismissed earlier this year after a tenure of four months. Azwar’s appointment makes him the third Managing Director at State Electric Company under the current administration, reflecting continued leadership turnover at the utility.
Azwar brings nearly three decades of experience within STELCO, having joined the company as a trainee in 1997. He has since progressed through a range of operational and leadership roles, including positions in sales and marketing, billing services, and business development, before moving into senior executive roles such as Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Managing Director.
In addition to his executive responsibilities, Azwar has served on STELCO’s board as an executive director and has also held a non-executive directorship at Fuel Supplies Maldives.
He holds a PhD from Victoria University of Wellington, with research focused on renewable energy in small island states. His academic background also includes a Master’s degree in public policy from the National University of Singapore and a degree in business studies from the University of Sheffield.
The appointment follows earlier changes in leadership across state-owned enterprises, including previous transitions at STELCO and other government-linked companies.
