I am an accomplished AI & Digital Transformation Leader with over 20 years of experience delivering advanced solutions across global markets. I have a strong background in driving AI-powered transformation in the telecom and technology sectors, building and optimizing domain-specific AI/ML solutions, and leading high-impact international teams. My expertise spans foundation model adaptation, enterprise AI deployment, and Responsible AI practices. Fluent in English, Arabic, Swedish, and conversational French, I bring a transformational and visionary leadership style, known for team empowerment, strategic thinking, and risk management.…

Feras Bara

I am an accomplished AI & Digital Transformation Leader with over 20 years of experience delivering advanced solutions across global markets. I have a strong background in driving AI-powered transformation in the telecom and technology sectors, building and optimizing domain-specific AI/ML solutions, and leading high-impact international teams. My expertise spans foundation model adaptation, enterprise AI deployment, and Responsible AI practices. Fluent in English, Arabic, Swedish, and conversational French, I bring a transformational and visionary leadership style, known for team empowerment, strategic thinking, and risk management.…

Available to hire

I am an accomplished AI & Digital Transformation Leader with over 20 years of experience delivering advanced solutions across global markets. I have a strong background in driving AI-powered transformation in the telecom and technology sectors, building and optimizing domain-specific AI/ML solutions, and leading high-impact international teams.

My expertise spans foundation model adaptation, enterprise AI deployment, and Responsible AI practices. Fluent in English, Arabic, Swedish, and conversational French, I bring a transformational and visionary leadership style, known for team empowerment, strategic thinking, and risk management.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent
Arabic
Fluent
Swedish
Fluent
French
Intermediate

Work Experience

Director of AI & Analytics Service Delivery at Advatec
February 1, 2025 - Present
Leading business development and AI & analytics service delivery across MENA and Central Asia, expanding the client base and securing strategic opportunities. Successfully won a seven-figure strategic Analytics & AI RFP against Deloitte for a major UAE regulatory authority, managing bid response, customer engagement, AI solution design, architecture, resource planning, budgeting, and negotiation. Achieved contract extension and expanded scope with e&, integrating advanced AI and analytics solutions with a 25% gross profit margin. Won a national crowdsourcing analytics project in Kazakhstan and established AI initiatives in Saudi Arabia for a large operator, driving digital transformation. Led organizational transformation and quality improvements enhancing delivery governance and customer satisfaction.
AI Development Manager at Telia Company
February 1, 2025 - August 31, 2025
Led AI projects across multiple Telia markets, managing cross-country teams and coordinating with management and vendors. Fostered AI innovation in Generative AI, LLMs, and domain-specific models for operational use cases. Spearheaded AI/ML solution design, delivery, and scaling across multi-cloud environments reducing network optimization costs by 36% and OPEX by 15%. Directed fine-tuning and PEFT methods to adapt LLMs for telecom-specific applications with reduced compute cost. Applied knowledge distillation to compress large models for edge deployment. Designed RAG pipelines with hybrid retrievers optimizing retrieval quality. Delivered AI-driven anomaly detection and power-saving initiatives saving 25M SEK annually, earning Telia’s Award of the Year. Led cloud migration, automation, vendor strategies, and network optimization projects including 5G and NB-IoT with multimillion-dollar budgets. Contributed to AI research with KTH University and Ericsson R&D, represented Telia in ind
Co-Founder at DronEye / TelAI
August 1, 2021 - Present
Founded an AI-driven startup focused on predictive analytics for telecommunications and secured European Space Agency funding for satellite communication innovations. Led development of AI-based drone solutions and managed the business from concept to operational stage, collaborating with industry and tech partners to integrate solutions into telecom infrastructure. Delivered managed services and cloud outsourcing offerings.
Consultant & National Project Manager at Ericsson (via MAUVE)
April 1, 2015 - August 31, 2025
Headed automation development managing a team of 17 engineers. Developed and enabled automation solutions, leading trials for testing and implementation.
Consultant Project Manager at Huawei (via Tangent International)
April 1, 2014 - August 31, 2025
Led the nationwide launch of INWI’s 4G network in Morocco, delivering the project on time with achievement of all KPIs. Improved data quality management and performance optimization.
Telecom and Network Consultant at Nokia (via Aircom)
December 1, 2013 - August 31, 2025
Worked on the CellC project in South Africa, improving operational efficiency and reducing OpEx by 15% through data-driven optimization strategies. Monitored daily KPIs and conducted investigations.
Consultant and Team Leader at Huawei (via CommsResources)
October 1, 2013 - August 31, 2025
Led regional radio activities for Telkom in South Africa overseeing 4G, 3G, and 2G performance KPIs. Tested and implemented ICIC and SON features and managed technical discussions with customers.
RF Consultant at Ericsson (via First Point Consulting)
March 1, 2013 - August 31, 2025
Monitored radio KPIs and enabled features on Ericsson, Huawei, and ZTE networks in Egypt. Improved site accessibility, reduced call drops, performed benchmarking analysis, and optimized network parameters.
Telecom Consultant and Team Leader at Huawei (via First Point Consulting)
July 1, 2013 - August 31, 2025
Led 3G network launch for Umniah in Jordan, managed project delivery, supplier management, and customer engagement. Directed network strategy for advanced mobility features.
Pre-Sales Leader at Optimi (via First Point Consulting)
December 1, 2011 - August 31, 2025
Led pre-sales activity in the Middle East, including presentations, requirement gathering, RFP/RFQ management, and after-sales support. Developed and executed go-to-market strategies and managed forecasting and budgets.
Network Automation and Optimization Team Leader at Syriatel
December 1, 2010 - August 31, 2025
Led RAN tool development for planning and optimization including coverage prediction, capacity, KPI monitoring, and drive test tools. Executed best frequency plans for Syria’s capital area and implemented new network features, earning the Chairman’s Award in 2010.
Director of AI & Analytics Service Delivery at Advatec
February 1, 2025 - Present
Led business development and AI & analytics service delivery across MENA and Central Asia, expanding the client base and securing strategic opportunities in AI and analytics. Won a seven-figure strategic Analytics & AI RFP against Deloitte for a major UAE regulatory authority, handling bid response, project setup, AI solution design, architecture, resource planning, budgeting, and negotiation. Secured contract extension and expanded scope with e&, integrating advanced AI and analytics solutions with 25% gross profit margin. Won a national crowdsourcing analytics project in Kazakhstan, demonstrating technical innovation and business value in emerging markets. Established AI initiatives in Saudi Arabia for one of the largest operators and drove organizational transformation and quality process improvements, strengthening governance and customer satisfaction.
AI Development Manager at Telia Company
February 1, 2025 - August 31, 2025
Led AI projects across multiple Telia markets with cross-country teams and global vendors. Fostered AI innovation in Generative AI, LLMs, and domain-specific models applied to operations and decision-making. Directed fine-tuning and PEFT for telecom-specific LLMs reducing compute cost. Applied knowledge distillation to compress LLMs for edge/mobile deployment. Designed RAG pipelines improving retrieval quality under budget constraints. Delivered AI-driven anomaly detection and power-saving initiatives saving 25M SEK annually and won Telia’s Award of the Year. Led cloud migration, automation programs, vendor strategy, and engagement. Managed network optimization and automation projects involving 5G, NB-IoT, and SON. Oversaw multimillion-dollar AI/cloud/automation budgets ensuring profitability and alignment with business strategy. Contributed to AI research projects and represented Telia at industry forums.
Co-Founder at DronEye
August 1, 2021 - Present
Founded TelAI and DronEye, AI-driven startups focused on predictive analytics for telecommunications. Secured European Space Agency funding for satellite communication innovations. Developed AI-based drone solutions, selling managed services, outsourcing public cloud services. Led fundraising and collaborated with industry leaders to integrate solutions with telecom infrastructure.
Consultant & National Project Manager at Ericsson (via MAUVE)
April 1, 2015 - August 31, 2025
Led automation development team of 17 engineers, enabling and developing automation solutions. Led all automation trials including testing and implementation.
Consultant Project Manager at Huawei (via Tangent international)
April 1, 2014 - August 31, 2025
Successfully led nationwide launch of INWI’s 4G network, delivering project on time and achieving KPIs. Improved data quality management and optimized performance.
Telecom and Network Consultant at Nokia (via Aircom)
December 1, 2013 - August 31, 2025
Improved operational efficiency and reduced OpEx by 15% with data-driven optimization for CellC project. Monitored daily KPIs and investigated network performance issues.
Consultant and Team Leader at Huawei (via CommsResources)
October 1, 2013 - August 31, 2025
Led team of 4 engineers for Telkom region radio activities. Maintained 4G, 3G and 2G KPI performance, tested and implemented ICIC feature, and SON features including ANR management and MRO. Handled technical discussions with customers and proposed optimizations.
RF Consultant at Ericsson (via First Point Consulting)
March 1, 2013 - August 31, 2025
Monitored multi-vendor networks (Ericsson, Huawei, ZTE), enabled features and SON functions. Resolved problematic sites, improved accessibility, reduced drop calls, and analyzed network issues such as benchmarking, missing neighbors, pilot pollution, and tilt optimization.
Telecom Consultant and Team Leader at Huawei (via First Point Consulting)
July 1, 2013 - August 31, 2025
Led 3G network launch for Umniah, managing overall project delivery, resources, suppliers, and customer engagement. Served as main customer interface and defined network strategy for advanced mobility features.
Pre-Sales Leader at Optimi (via First Point Consulting)
December 1, 2011 - August 31, 2025
Led pre-sales activities in Middle East, managing customer presentations, RFP and RFQ processes, and after-sales support. Developed and executed go-to-market strategies and managed multimillion-dollar budgets.
Network Automation and Optimization Team Leader at Syriatel
December 1, 2010 - August 31, 2025
Responsible for RAN tool development for planning and optimization including coverage prediction, AFP, capacity, drive test and KPI monitoring tools. Led frequency planning using x-AFP in capital and surrounding areas managing 23 BSCs. Led testing and implementation of new features within the operator. Received Chairman awards in 2010.
AI Development Manager at Telia Company
February 1, 2025 - August 31, 2025
Led AI projects across multiple Telia markets with cross-country teams, fostering AI innovation in Generative AI, LLMs, and domain-specific models for operational use. Directed fine-tuning and PEFT adaptations for telecom applications and applied knowledge distillation for edge deployment. Designed RAG pipelines and delivered AI-driven initiatives saving network optimization costs and OPEX. Managed cloud migration, vendor relations, SON, automation projects, and multimillion-dollar budgets, contributing to AI research collaborations and representing Telia in industry forums.
Co-Founder at DronEye and TelAI
August 1, 2021 - Present
Founded AI-driven startups focusing on predictive analytics and satellite communication innovations, securing ESA funding. Developed AI-based drone solutions and managed business development, growing the startup from concept to operational stage while collaborating with industry leaders and integrating solutions into telecom infrastructure.
Consultant & National Project Manager at Ericsson (via MAUVE)
April 1, 2015 - August 31, 2025
Headed automation development managing 17 engineers to deliver automation solutions in South Africa.
Consultant Project Manager at Huawei (via Tangent international)
April 1, 2014 - August 31, 2025
Led the nationwide launch of INWI's 4G network in Morocco, delivering on time with all target KPIs and improving data quality management and performance optimization.
Telecom and Network Consultant at Nokia (via Aircom)
December 1, 2013 - August 31, 2025
Improved operational efficiency and reduced OpEx by 15% through data-driven optimization strategies for CellC project in South Africa.
Consultant and Team Leader at Huawei (via CommsResources)
October 1, 2013 - August 31, 2025
Led a team of 10 engineers managing mobile network and radio activities for Telkom in South Africa.
RF Consultant at Ericsson (via First Point Consulting)
March 1, 2013 - August 31, 2025
Monitored radio KPIs and enabled features for Ericsson, Huawei, and partial ZTE networks in Egypt.
Telecom Consultant and Team Leader at Huawei (via First Point Consulting)
July 1, 2013 - August 31, 2025
Led 3G network launch for Umniah in Jordan, managing project delivery, supplier management, and customer relations.
Pre-Sales Leader at Optimi (via First Point Consulting)
December 1, 2011 - August 31, 2025
Led Optimi pre-sales activities in the Middle East including presentations, RFP/RFQ management, and go-to-market strategy development, handling multimillion-dollar budgets.
Network Automation and Optimization Team Leader at Syriatel
December 1, 2010 - August 31, 2025
Developed RAN planning and optimization tools including coverage prediction, capacity, drive test, and KPI monitoring tools.

Education

MBA at Blekinge Institute of Technology
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2024
Course - Python: A Gateway to Machine Learning at Halmstad University
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024
Course - Elements of AI at Linköping University
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023
Course - Artificial Intelligence at Luleå University of Technology
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2022
Course - Advanced Project Management at Luleå University of Technology
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020
Master in Telecommunications & Science at Damascus University
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2008
MBA at Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH), Sweden
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2024
Python: A Gateway to Machine Learning at Halmstad University, Sweden
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024
Elements of AI at Linköping University, Sweden
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023
Artificial Intelligence at Luleå University of Technology, Sweden
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2022
Advanced Project Management at Luleå University of Technology, Sweden
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020
Master in Telecommunications & Science at Damascus University
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2008
MBA at Blekinge Institute of Technology
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2024
Python: A Gateway to Machine Learning at Halmstad University
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024
Elements of AI at Linköping University
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023
Artificial Intelligence at Luleå University of Technology
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2022
Advanced Project Management at Luleå University of Technology
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020
Master in Telecommunications & Science at Damascus University
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2008

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Telecommunications, Software & Internet, Professional Services, Government, Education, Energy & Utilities, Computers & Electronics

Skills

Experience Level