Shaikh Mohamed bin Isa Al Khalifa was named as Batelco\'s new group chief executive officer (CEO) yesterday. Shaikh Mohamed, who was till recently Social Insurance Organisation (SIO) CEO and Batelco deputy chairman, replaces Peter Kaliaropoulos, who has been made the group\'s strategic assignments CEO, responsible for its joint ventures and will take charge on October 1. Company chairman Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa also said that Murad Ali Murad would become the new board deputy chairman, replacing Shaikh Mohamed. Shaikh Hamad, while welcoming Shaikh Mohamed, said he was already familiar with the company\'s strategic challenges and opportunities in Bahrain and across the region. Shaikh Hamad noted that Shaikh Mohamed was an experienced Bahraini business executive and the first national to hold the most senior role at Batelco group. On his part Shaikh Mohamed said he was honoured by the board\'s decision to appoint him to lead Batelco\'s growth and evolution during a turbulent time in the information and communications industry in Bahrain and abroad.