Federal Government has officially appointed Abu Bakar as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), successfully filling a leadership vacancy that has persisted for over two years. This appointment follows a rigorous selection process, during which a panel of three candidates was presented to the federal government, ultimately approving Bakar for the role. The Ministry of IT and Telecom has already issued an official offer letter confirming his appointment for a three-year term.
Abu Bakar brings over 20 years of experience in technology and business operations to the position. Currently serving as the president of Open Global Pakistan, he has held various leadership roles in international settings, where he specialized in areas such as digital transformation, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and business process improvement. As an Operating Partner at Visible Ventures, Bakar significantly contributed to the growth and success of high-potential startups and scale-ups through his expertise in due diligence and value creation.
The recruitment process for the new CEO commenced after the role, previously known as Managing Director, was re-advertised on April 7, 2024. The initiative garnered 234 applications, from which 16 candidates were shortlisted. After conducting further interviews, six candidates were presented for final consideration during the PSEB Board of Directors meeting in June, where Bakar was ultimately selected after careful evaluation.
This leadership position had been vacant since August 2022, when the previous Managing Director’s term concluded. Although the title was changed from Managing Director to CEO, delays in the recruitment process left the PSEB without a permanent head for an extended period. An earlier attempt to appoint Ali Raza Khan in 2023 was thwarted by his failure to obtain the necessary security clearance.
Bakar’s appointment arrives at a crucial juncture for the PSEB as the organization aims to bolster Pakistan’s software export capabilities. With his extensive background in M&A, digital innovation, and operational leadership, his tenure is expected to drive strategic growth and facilitate the digital transformation of Pakistan’s IT sector.
