Reem Asaad stands as a formidable force in the IT and data center sector, embodying the spirit of innovation and leadership that is reshaping Egypt’s technological landscape. A graduate of the University of Houston with a degree in Computer Science and Information Technology, Asaad has leveraged her extensive experience to drive significant advancements in the field.
Her career began in the United States, where she worked for fifteen years in information technology and financial services with major firms such as AIG. Upon returning to Egypt in 2005, Asaad joined Raya Holding, where she swiftly advanced through several critical roles. She initially served as IT Director, managing corporate strategy and infrastructure investments, before taking on positions in corporate communications, investor relations, and corporate secretarial duties. Her multifaceted expertise set the stage for her current role as CEO of Raya Data Center.
Under Asaad’s leadership, Raya Data Center has transformed from a division within Raya Corporation into one of Egypt’s leading colocation and data center service providers. The center now operates three fully-redundant facilities, adhering to the highest international standards with certifications such as ISO 27001, ISO 20000, ISO 9001, ISO 22301, and OHSAS 18001. Asaad was instrumental in developing the center’s market strategy, positioning it as a key player in the industry and expanding its service offerings to include virtual hosting, ERP applications, disaster recovery, security, storage, and cloud solutions.
Her contributions to the industry have been recognized on a global scale. Asaad was ranked #32 in Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 Most Powerful Arab Women in 2015 and #38 in 2016. Her influence extends beyond corporate success; she has represented Egypt at notable international conferences, including the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro (2012), the GRI Global Conference in Amsterdam (2010), and the United Nations Global Compact in New York (2008).
Asaad’s leadership is also reflected in her active involvement with various economic and technology associations. She has served as Co-Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce ICT Core Committee and as Chair of the Telecom Division of Eitesal (Egyptian Information, Telecommunications, Electronics, and Software Alliance). Additionally, she is a Steering Committee Member of the EBNI (Eitesal Business Nurturing Initiative) IoT Incubator, showcasing her commitment to fostering innovation and business growth in Egypt.
Reem Asaad’s journey exemplifies the transformative impact of visionary leadership in the tech industry. Her dedication to advancing Egypt’s IT infrastructure and promoting sustainable development continues to make significant contributions to both the national and global technology sectors.