Dr Ali Azwar Appointed Managing Director of STELCO

Dr Ali Azwar has been appointed as the Managing Director of the State Electric Company Limited (STELCO), marking a leadership transition at the country’s primary electricity provider as it continues to navigate rising energy demand and sectoral transformation.

The appointment places a long-serving internal executive at the helm of the utility, with Dr Azwar bringing more than two decades of experience within STELCO. He previously served as Deputy Managing Director and has held several senior leadership roles across operations, finance, and business development.

Dr Azwar began his career at STELCO in 1997 as a trainee and progressed through a series of technical and managerial positions over the years. His responsibilities have included leading the Sales and Marketing function, overseeing the Billing Services Department, and heading the Business Development arm of the company. He later advanced to executive leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Managing Director, contributing to strategic planning and operational oversight.

His experience extends to corporate governance, having served on the Board of Directors of STELCO as an Executive Director appointed by the President of the Maldives. He also held a Non-Executive Director role at Fuel Supply Maldives Pvt Ltd, providing oversight at the board level.

Dr Azwar’s academic background reflects a focus on policy and energy systems. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy from Victoria University of Wellington, where his research examined the diffusion of renewable electricity technologies in small island developing states. He also holds a Master in Public Policy from the National University of Singapore and a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Business Studies from the University of Sheffield.

He has participated in international seminars and workshops on renewable energy, disaster risk reduction, and communication strategies, and has completed board-level training through the Capital Market Development Authority of Maldives.

His appointment comes at a time when STELCO plays a central role in supporting the Maldives’ energy requirements, with increasing emphasis on efficiency, system reliability, and long-term sustainability. The transition signals continuity in leadership from within the organisation, with expectations that institutional experience and policy understanding will guide the company’s next phase of development.