Commercis Plc Appoints Wael Alkhalidi as Chief Information and Technology Officer and Deputy CEO 

Commercis Plc, a global connectivity, technology, and consulting firm, is proud to announce the appointment of Wael Alkhalidi as Chief Information and Technology Officer (CITO) and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, effective 1st January 2026. This strategic appointment further enhances the company’s executive leadership team and reinforces its commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. 

In this expanded dual role, Wael will lead Commercis’ technology strategy, digital transformation agenda, and innovation roadmap, while also supporting the CEO in driving organisational performance and strategic execution. His appointment underscores Commercis’ vision to more closely integrate technology, operations, and strategy as critical enablers of long-term success. 

Throughout his tenure at Commercis, Wael has demonstrated exceptional strategic vision and a deep understanding of the evolving technology landscape. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing the company’s digital infrastructure, developing regional and global partnerships, and expanding technology-driven service capabilities. His ability to bridge innovation with real-world execution has been central to elevating Commercis’ competitiveness and operational excellence across markets. 

“I am excited to continue my journey with Commercis in this expanded leadership role,” said Wael Alkhalidi. “The company has a powerful vision for the future of connectivity, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. My focus will be on advancing our technology ecosystem, enabling scalable growth, and ensuring that our clients remain at the forefront of innovation. I look forward to working closely with the leadership team to accelerate our strategic objectives and create lasting value for our clients and partners.” 

“Wael’s appointment reflects our dedication to strengthening leadership at the highest level,” said Alan Afrasiab, President & CEO of Commercis Plc. “His deep expertise in technology, strategic foresight, and ability to execute complex transformation initiatives will be instrumental as we navigate the next phase of growth. As Chief Information and Technology Officer and Deputy CEO, he will play a vital role in shaping our future.” 

About Wael Alkhalidi 

Wael Alkhalidi brings a distinguished career in technology leadership, digital innovation, and enterprise transformation. He has successfully led large-scale IT modernisation programmes, enhanced cybersecurity frameworks, and guided organisations through complex digital transitions. His ability to align technology with business strategy has delivered measurable impact across industries and international markets. 

About Commercis Plc 

Commercis is a global connectivity, technology, and consulting firm delivering mission-critical solutions across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. With deep regional expertise and a broad international footprint, we design, deploy, and manage secure digital infrastructure that enables organizations to operate with confidence. Our portfolio spans advanced connectivity, cybersecurity, cloud, and IT/OT integration, all powered by a commitment to reliability, innovation, and customer success. 

Commercis Partners with Rivada for Next Generation Connectivity

Commercis, a leading communication and technology company,  is partnering with Rivada Space Networks to provide a unique next generation connectivity network with the necessary security and performance to drive digital innovation and transformation. Rivada has now lined up over $US18 billion of business globally for its unique LEO network.  

Commercis delivers cutting-edge connectivity, communication and technology solutions that empower enterprise customers, government agencies and diplomatic missions worldwide. As the demand for secure, rapid data transfer continues to grow, placing unprecedented pressure on existing digital infrastructures, organizations in oil & gas, banking, security, defense, and telecommunications seek innovative, future-focused networking and cybersecurity technologies. At Commercis, we prioritize security, speed, and resilience, providing integrated solutions that protect critical data, enhance operational agility, and ensure seamless, reliable performance in an increasingly digital and threat-prone landscape.

Rivada’s global low-latency point-to-point connectivity network of 600 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, the “Outernet,” is a unique next-generation architecture combing inter-satellite laser links with advanced onboard processing that provide unique routing and switching capabilities to create an optical mesh network in space. This approach to “orbital networking,” in which data stays in space from origin to destination, creates an ultra-secure satellite network with pole-to-pole coverage, offering end-to-end latencies much lower than terrestrial fiber over similar long distances. And by routing traffic on a physically separated network, it provides a layer of defence for any organisation that needs to securely share data between widely distributed sites.

Commercis will harness Rivada’s Outernet to provide resiliency for high quality voice, video and data solutions and a new level of cybersecurity to the enterprise and government sectors that require secure infrastructure. The Outernet’s fast, seamless and secure connectivity will ramp up network performance and enable true digital transformation and new business opportunities through multi-gigabit bi-directional performance, combined with worldwide reach.

Alan Afrasiab, CEO at Commercis said, “We are truly excited about this partnership, which advances our commitment to delivering agile, secure, and high-performance solutions. Our goal is to create new opportunities for organizations seeking innovative, scalable, flexible, and resilient connectivity to support their expanding networks. Rivada’s Outernet introduces a groundbreaking digital architecture that seamlessly integrates innovation with resilience, providing engineering certainty in an unpredictable world. This collaboration ensures a more secure and reliable future for our customers and the critical infrastructure they depend on, reinforcing our dedication to advancing communications technology with embedded cybersecurity in an increasingly complex digital landscape. It also complements well our established terrestrial, geostationary satellite, gateway earth station and data centre facilities.”

Declan Ganley, CEO, Rivada Space Networks, said: “We are delighted to be working with a trusted network provider such as Commercis to develop space-based solutions to power digital transformation.” Ganley added: “In the digital economy, the security and resilience of communications is becoming hugely important. Global subsea cables, which carry much of the world’s data traffic, are increasingly becoming a focal point of geopolitical tensions, with frequent cable cuts resulting in severe outages. The Outernet is key to enhancing the telecommunications infrastructure in terms of data sovereignty and security, supporting AI digital strategies, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and expanding the reach of international networks.“

Commercis will join Rivada’s Customer Advisory Board and conduct a series of technical workshops to structure the collaboration and exchange information on the Outernet’s capabilities.

Commercis Appoints Floyd Turner as Chief Operating and Quality Assurance Officer

Commercis Plc, a leading consulting firm specializing in connectivity, technology, cybersecurity, and digital transformation, is proud to announce the strategic promotion of Floyd Turner to Chief Operating and Quality Assurance Officer. Floyd, a seasoned industry professional with over 30 years of experience, joins the company’s executive leadership team to drive operational excellence and quality across its global services.

Based in Dubai, Floyd has been instrumental in powering Commercis’ growth over the past three years. His extensive career includes support for groundbreaking satellite launches, digital infrastructure projects, and transformative operational initiatives carried out across diverse markets worldwide. His expertise in operations management, client assurance, and governance has been a vital factor behind the company’s success.

In his new role, Floyd will oversee global operations and quality assurance, with a core focus on elevating customer experiences, embedding operational excellence, and maintaining the highest standards of service quality. He is committed to leveraging the latest technological advancements to drive customer satisfaction and sustainable growth.

“Joining the leadership team as Chief Operating and Quality Assurance Officer is an exciting milestone,” said Floyd Turner. “My goal is to continue delivering innovative, reliable solutions to our clients around the world, utilizing the latest technologies and best practices to ensure operational excellence. I look forward to working with our talented teams to help drive the company’s future success and maintain our reputation as a trusted advisory partner in connectivity, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.”

“Floyd’s appointment underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional service and strategic expertise,” said [CEO’s Name], CEO of Commercis Plc. “His proven leadership, extensive industry knowledge, and dedication will be instrumental as we continue to grow and innovate on a global scale.”

About Floyd Turner:

Prior to joining Commercis, Floyd held numerous influential roles in customer relations and operations across startups and Fortune 500 companies. His versatile career spans over three decades, including 15 years dedicated to satellite services, demonstrating his ability to deliver innovative solutions, deploy advanced technologies, and operate effectively in complex environments.

Work reimagined. Is AI quietly redefining how we think, lead, and get things done?

What if the future of work isn’t about working harder or even smarter, but thinking differently altogether? As artificial intelligence (AI) continues its meteoric rise, the conversation is shifting. We are no longer just talking about automation or efficiency. We are now facing a more complex question, how is AI fundamentally reshaping the very way we work, lead, and make decisions?

Take UPS’s ORION system, for instance. It uses AI and advanced algorithms to optimize delivery routes—saving fuel, cutting time, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental impact. This isn’t just operational improvement—it’s intelligent transformation.

From the idea and toll to a teammate

All is a provocative idea. After all, AI began as a tool—streamlining processes, automating tasks, cutting costs. But that narrative is starting to feel outdated. Increasingly, Increasingly, AI is becoming a collaborator in our workflows. It’s not just accelerating tasks; it’s reimagining how they are done.

We are seeing a quiet revolution in workflow design, intelligent systems that don't just follow rules - they learn, adapt, and suggest. Need to reprioritize projects based on shifting customer demand? Your AI can flag it. Facing a bottleneck? It might tell you where and why, before you even realize it. This isn’t about replacing humans; it’s about liberating them from the drag of manual processes and unlocking higher-level thinking.

Empowerment and climb the decision tree

AI’s influence doesn’t stop at process improvement; it’s climbing up the decision tree too. Today’s platforms can analyse variables so complex they are effectively invisible to the human eye. In high-stakes environments like finance, healthcare, supply chains, AI is not just accelerating decisions, it’s sharpening them. It can forecast risks, model future scenarios, and offer probabilistic guidance with startling precision.

For example, IBM Watson for Oncology helps doctors make evidence-based treatment recommendations, supporting oncologists in high-stakes decision-making.

Sounds ideal. But here is the rub, are we ready to trust it?

Trust, transparency, and explainability

As decision-making becomes more data-driven, transparency becomes the new currency of trust. Enter explainable AI (XAI), technology designed to show not just what it decides, but how. Without that transparency, even the most accurate AI will remain suspect in the eyes of those who rely on it. And if people don’t trust it, they won’t use it or worse, they will misuse it.

Rethinking leadership

Perhaps the most under-discussed and most difficult transformation is happening at the top. As AI reshapes how decisions are made, leaders are being called to do something far harder than adopt technology, redefine their role.

Leadership today demands more than understanding the tech. It requires sponsoring cultural change, aligning departments, and rethinking what strategic leadership means in a world of augmented intelligence. Leaders must now ask how do we govern AI? Who owns its decisions? What values guide its use?

Institutions like Microsoft’s AI Business School are already teaching leaders how to build responsible AI principles—and ask the right questions.

Augmentation over replacement

It’s natural to fear that AI will replace jobs. But the more productive conversation is about augmentation. The best outcomes happen when AI complements human intuition and does not compete with it.

Machines can parse patterns across billions of data points. Humans bring empathy, ethics, and nuance. The real promise of AI lies in collaborative intelligence, human and machine working together to solve problems neither could tackle alone.

Culture is the catalyst

The organizations thriving in this new era aren’t just building better tech. They are reskilling talent, designing ethical frameworks, and embedding open, ongoing dialogue about AI’s role. They are engineering culture as deliberately as they engineer code.

Because the truth is, no AI transformation succeeds without human alignment. You can plug in the best algorithms, but if your people aren’t onboard, empowered, and prepared, the tech will stall.

Leading what is next

So where does this leave us? In a word, somewhere new. We are entering a chapter where intelligence, both human and machine, is fluid, shared, and evolving. The organizations that will lead aren’t just those with the best tools, but those with the boldness to ask better questions, embrace uncertainty, and rethink the very fabric of work. The future isn’t arriving, it’s already here. The question is are we leading it, or reacting to it?

References

*1 https://www.roundtrip.ai/articles/ups-route-optimization-software?

*2 https://ascopost.com/issues/june-25-2017/how-watson-for-oncology-is-advancing-personalized-patient-care/

*3 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/responsible-ai?

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/transform-your-business-with-microsoft-ai/?

Commercis Accelerates Innovation as Proud Sponsor of DW Racing F4 Team

Commercis, a global leader in connectivity, advanced technology solutions, and strategic consulting, is proud to announce its official sponsorship of the DW Racing Formula 4 team. This high-impact partnership brings together two forces united by speed, precision, and a relentless drive for innovation.

“Commercis has built its legacy by deploying bold technologies to redefine what’s possible—across industries and around the globe for more than 30 years,” said Alan Afrasiab, CEO and President at Commercis. “In motorsport, excellence isn’t optional—it’s engineered. As we continue to evolve rapidly in the tech space, it was essential to partner with a team that shares our vision for performance, agility, and progress. DW Racing competes at the highest level—where milliseconds matter and innovation drives every decision. It’s a perfect alignment with our mission to deliver intelligent, real-time solutions worldwide.”

Founded in 2019, DW Racing has earned a reputation for fierce competitiveness and technical ingenuity on the Formula 4 circuit. With a progressive vision focused on inclusion, sustainability, and future-forward racing, the team is making its mark both on and off the track.

The excitement is mutual.

“Commercis gets what we do,” said rising star Stephanie Hobeika, lead driver for DW Racing’s 2025 lineup. “Joining forces with Commercis is more than a sponsorship—it’s a partnership rooted in innovation. As a woman competing in a technology-driven sport, I’m proud to represent a brand that champions connectivity, resilience, and performance that pushes boundaries.”

At just 22 years old, Hobeika is turning heads in the Formula 4 paddock—not only for her competitive edge but for her ambition. “My dream is to race in the F1 Academy Championship,” she says. “This partnership with Commercis gives me the platform and support to chase that dream at full speed.”

This collaboration is more than logos and branding—it’s a shared commitment to challenge conventions, accelerate growth, and lead from the front. It’s a dynamic platform to showcase agility, security, and intelligence under pressure—in one of the most demanding environments on the planet.

Together, Commercis and DW Racing are setting a new pace for what ‘partnership in motion’ truly means.

Fortifying the future; fragmented multi-data centre storage as a cornerstone of cybersecurity strategy

In today’s digital economy, data is more than an asset—it’s a target. As cyber threats grow increasingly sophisticated, organizations must evolve their defences beyond traditional measures. Fragmented storage across multiple secure data centres is emerging as a critical pillar in modern cybersecurity strategy, fundamentally reshaping how businesses protect their most valuable information.

While distributing data across various locations has long been a standard disaster recovery tactic, today’s security environment demands much more. Fragmented storage takes resilience to the next level by splitting data into encrypted fragments using advanced algorithms and dispersing those fragments across multiple, geographically distant, ultra-secure facilities. No single location ever holds the complete dataset. This approach ensures that even if a breach occurs at one data canter, the stolen information is rendered useless without access to all other fragments and the necessary decryption keys—raising the barrier for even the most sophisticated cybercriminals.

Fragmented storage transforms the cybersecurity landscape by making breaches far less rewarding for attackers. If bad actors manage to access a single site, they retrieve only meaningless, incomplete data fragments. Without the full set of pieces and the means to reassemble and decrypt them, the stolen information holds no value. By dramatically increasing the complexity and cost of attacks, fragmented storage effectively tilts the playing field back in favour of defenders.

This strategy is not just a technical innovation—it’s a business imperative that demands the attention of leaders. Fragmentation reduces the risk of catastrophic breaches by eliminating single points of compromise, thus safeguarding sensitive customer data, intellectual property, and corporate secrets. It also enhances compliance with increasingly stringent data protection regulations such as GDPR and CCPA, by minimizing data exposure within any one jurisdiction and ensuring a higher standard of privacy. Furthermore, this architecture supports robust business continuity; in the event of a disaster, outage, or attack, organizations can swiftly reconstruct their data from unaffected sites and keep operations running without disruption. Most importantly, fragmented multi-data centre storage aligns naturally with zero-trust security models, cloud-native architectures, and the rapid expansion of edge computing, providing a resilient, future-proof foundation for growth.

However, successfully deploying this strategy requires choosing infrastructure partners who offer geographically distributed Tier III or IV facilities, leverage end-to-end encryption with advanced fragmentation algorithms, maintain automated failover and data reassembly protocols, and meet strict compliance standards such as ISO 27001 and SOC 2. Real-time monitoring and robust access controls are essential components of this security framework. Several global infrastructure providers are adopting fragmented storage architectures, positioning them not just as technological improvements but as critical components of modern cybersecurity strategies.

In a world where cyberattacks increasingly threaten trust, business operations, and reputation, fragmented multi-data canter storage is not merely about protecting data—it’s about fortifying the future. Organizations that embed resilience into their core infrastructure today will be the ones who lead confidently in tomorrow’s digital-first economy.

From always-on to intentionally balanced. How AI and automation tools can improve work-life harmony

In today’s hyperconnected world, the boundary between work and personal life is often blurred. Technology keeps us constantly plugged in, but when used wisely, it can also be the key to restoring balance.

In recent years, AI and automation tools have become deeply embedded in our work routines. Tools that automate email sorting, integrate CRMs, or generate reports help professionals save hours every week. While they have made us faster and more productive, they have also created a paradox, greater efficiency often leads to the pressure to accomplish even more.

These tools help us boost efficiency, streamline repetitive tasks, and stay on top of ever-expanding to-do lists. Now, as these tools continue to evolve, they’re beginning to offer something even more valuable; the opportunity to reclaim time, reduce stress, and restore a healthier work-life balance.

That’s where a mindset shift is taking place. The same AI-driven tools that help us get more done can also help us do less, or at least, do things smarter. By offloading routine work, we can conserve mental energy for what truly matters, both in and outside of work.

Take calendar management, for example. AI-powered tools like Motion, Clockwise, and Reclaim.ai analyze how we spend our time and intelligently reorganize tasks and meetings. Originally intended to improve productivity, these tools are now increasingly being used to protect personal time , like focus hours, lunch breaks, or family commitments. The key difference is intention, using technology to set boundaries rather than overextend them.

Virtual assistants such as Google Assistant and Microsoft Copilot extend this further by proactively suggesting the best time to tackle tasks, based on factors like energy levels, workloads, and even the weather. They help bring order to chaos, allowing us to approach the day more thoughtfully.

Communication, too, is becoming more streamlined. AI writing tools like Grammarly, Jasper, and ChatGPT speed up the process of drafting emails, writing reports, or taking notes. Meeting summarization tools such as Otter, Fireflies, and tl;dv allow users to skip meetings while still staying informed, minimizing redundant follow-ups and reducing screen fatigue.

In addition to saving time, automation also addresses decision fatigue, a common source of burnout. Many in the workforce already use automation for tasks like invoice creation, client onboarding, and social media scheduling. Beyond time savings, these workflows reduce the number of small decisions we need to make daily, helping us preserve focus for more urgent things.

This principle extends beyond the workplace. AI is increasingly supporting personal wellbeing. Apps like Headspace, Wysa, and Replika offer AI-guided meditation, therapy-like conversations, and emotional check-ins. Employers are also integrating these tools into wellness initiatives to proactively support employee mental health.

Wearable devices powered by AI, such as the Oura Ring or Whoop, go even further, analyzing sleep patterns and recovery metrics to provide personalized recommendations. This helps users better align their daily routines with their body’s natural rhythms, improving both performance and rest.

Ultimately, the purpose of AI and automation isn’t just productivity, it’s human flourishing. These technologies can eliminate friction, reduce stress, and give us back the time and clarity we have lost to digital overload. But this only works with mindful adoption, choosing the right tools and using them with purpose.

When thoughtfully integrated, AI doesn’t replace human effort, it amplifies it. It empowers us to live and work with greater clarity, presence, and intention. In doing so, it offers a path not just to getting more done, but to living more fully.

Ambassador Jonathan Cohen Joins Commercis Advisory Board

Commercis is honored to announce the appointment of Ambassador Jonathan Cohen to its Advisory Board. Ambassador Cohen, a strategic advisor and international consultant, brings a wealth of experience in international diplomacy, strategic negotiations, and governmental relations, making him a significant addition to the team.

Ambassador Cohen's distinguished diplomatic career, which spans over 35 years, includes roles as Ambassador to Egypt and the United Nations, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia covering Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus, Deputy Chief of Mission in Baghdad and Nicosia, and as Acting Deputy Chief of Mission in Paris. His expertise will be invaluable in guiding Commercis as it expands its global footprint and strengthens its strategic initiatives. His insights and advice, particularly in navigating the complex international landscape, will be critical in fostering robust relationships with key stakeholders.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ambassador Cohen to our Advisory Board,” said Alan Afrasiab, Group CEO of Commercis. “His extensive experience in global diplomacy and strategic negotiations is crucial for our continued growth. Ambassador Cohen’s long history of impactful diplomatic roles aligns perfectly with our vision and will enhance our execution of strategic initiatives. We are excited about the insights and direction he will bring to our executive team.”

Ambassador Cohen expressed his enthusiasm about joining Commercis: “I am delighted to collaborate with such a talented international team and contribute to its global reach and success as an Advisory Board member. I look forward to leveraging my experience to support the growth and strategic vision of Commercis."

Commercis Appoints General Counsel to Support Global Operations and Oversee its US Operations

Commercis Plc is excited to announce the appointment of Thomas J. Dolan III as the company’s new General Counsel. In this pivotal role, Mr. Dolan will be responsible for providing legal support to Our Global Team as well as running, growing, and managing business operations in the United States, handling governmental relationships, and maintaining relationship with key partners and clients.

“I am honoured to join Commercis Plc as Legal Counsel in the U.S. and General Counsel for Commercis globally. It is a privilege to contribute to the growth of this dynamic company and ensure we maintain the highest standards of compliance and strengthen our relationships with partners and clients in the U.S.”

Thomas J. Dolan III

With his extensive experience in both domestic and international law, and proven track record in strategic business management and ability to navigate complex legal issues, Mr. Dolan is set to play a crucial role in driving Talia’s expansion and ensuring regulatory compliance.

“We are thrilled to welcome Thomas J. Dolan III to our team,” said Alan Afrasiab, Group CEO of Commercis Plc. “His expertise and leadership will be instrumental as we continue to scale our operations and strengthen our strategic relationships with prime agencies. With extensive experience in corporate law and international relations, Mr Dolan brings exceptional proficiency to our executive team. His role will be critical in ensuring compliance, navigating regulatory frameworks, and strengthening our strategic engagements."

Commercis honored by the ISOA with Innovation Award 2024

Commercis is thrilled to announce that it has been recognized by the International Stability Operations Association (ISOA), winning the prestigious Innovation Award in the ISOA Global Impact Awards. This award celebrates Commercis’s pioneering contribution and commitment to advancing stability operations through innovative solutions.

Commercis was awarded the Innovation Award for its unique and groundbreaking achievements. Their innovative solutions have revolutionized the provision and support of hybrid communication for diplomatic missions across multiple countries torn by conflict, political instability, economic disadvantage, and environmental disasters.

These esteemed awards from ISOA, a leading organization dedicated to promoting high standards in stability operations, underscore the impact of their innovative approach to enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness in complex environments.

"We are deeply honored to receive these significant awards from ISOA," said Alan Afrasiab, President and Group CEO of Commercis. "Innovation is at the core of our mission, and this recognition is a testament to our entire team’s hard work and dedication. We remain committed to pushing the boundaries and driving forward-thinking solutions that deliver unparalleled value to our clients and the industry."

Being acknowledged by The International Stability Operations Association, a renowned organization fostering excellence, accountability, and innovation within the defense stability operations sector is a significant milestone for Commercis. acknowledged by such a respected organization highlights the positive influence of our work and inspires us to continue setting new standards in our industry.

Commercis sincerely thanks its clients, partners, and team members for their unwavering support and collaboration. The company remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation, embracing new challenges, and making significant contributions to organizations operating in challenging conditions. For more information about Commercis’s award-winning innovative solutions and the company, please visit www.commercis.com or contact Agata Marshall.