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Ralph YirikianCEO of VivaCell MTS, philanthropist.
Date of Birth: 16.11.1967
Country:  Armenia |
Content:
- Ralph Yirikian: Biography of VivaCell MTS CEO and Philanthropist
- Early Career
- CEO of VivaCell MTS
- Achievements and Recognition
Ralph Yirikian: Biography of VivaCell MTS CEO and Philanthropist
Ralph Cesar Yirikian was born on November 16, 1967 in Beirut. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the American University of Beirut in 1991. In the same year, Yirikian also received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the same university.
Early Career
From 1991 to 1992, Ralph Yirikian worked as an assistant in the Archives and Documentation Department of the Jafet Library at the American University of Beirut, and later as a computer operator at George Matta, a Lebanese company. In 1993, Yirikian worked as an executive secretary at Al Maha Group Holdings in Qatar, and also as an assistant advisor at Nasser, Ghattas and Co in Cyprus. From 1994 to 1996, he served as the head of administration and HR department at Al Maha Group Holdings. Between 1997 and 1999, Yirikian was the head of administration and customer service department at Nasser, Ghattas and Co in Cyprus. From 1999 to 2001, he was the head of Administration at LibanCell in Lebanon.
CEO of VivaCell MTS
Since November 2004, Ralph Yirikian has been the CEO of VivaCell MTS (CJSC "K-Telecom"). Under his leadership, VivaCell MTS has become an exemplary company and one of the largest taxpayers in Armenia. Through innovative solutions, the company has significantly transformed the mobile communication market in Armenia. Currently, VivaCell MTS employs approximately 1300 staff members. Thanks to a range of innovative solutions, the company has expanded the choice of services available to Armenian consumers.
VivaCell MTS was the first mobile operator to receive permission from the Public Services Regulatory Commission to use radio frequencies for the creation of a 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) network. By implementing LTE, VivaCell MTS has placed Armenia alongside the few countries where 4G networks are already operational. Similar to the extensive coverage of the 2G and 3G networks (covering over 98% of the population), VivaCell MTS's LTE network (covering 52.5% of the population) is gradually becoming accessible to all Armenians. During this time, VivaCell MTS became the first company in Armenia to adopt and operate under the concept of corporate responsibility. The company makes significant investments in implementing innovative projects in the fields of healthcare, culture, science, environmental protection, education, and rural infrastructure.
Achievements and Recognition
Mr. Yirikian has spoken at numerous academic, business, and technological institutes and forums. He has been awarded the Orders of "For Merit to the Fatherland" (2nd class) on September 11, 2017, "Honor" on September 3, 2011, and the Movses Khorenatsi Medal, among other honors. He was also granted honorary citizenship of Yerevan in 2017.
