Amir Ahmed: Blending Sporting Spirit and Heritage into DISH EVP’s Journey
Amir Ahmed’s path to becoming the Executive Vice President for DISH TV, part of DISH Network Corp., was influenced by his early love for sports and his commitment to building strong personal relationships. His journey from a sports enthusiast to a business leader was recently shared in Asian Hospitality’s Leadership Series.
One of Ahmed’s responsibilities in his current role is overseeing DISH’s hospitality business. Under his leadership, DISH is introducing new technology solutions for hotels aimed at attracting guests and improving operational efficiency while reducing labor needs. The company’s innovative OnStream platform offers personalized services to guests.
Despite his success in the business world, Ahmed remains deeply connected to his heritage.
“I’m very proud to be Indian,” Ahmed said. “I think the upbringing, the competitiveness within the family, how the parents brought us up, my brother and I, it’s just go out there and put the best effort and work and then also treat your employees correctly and educate them and educate your partner.”
Early Experiences and Cultural Roots
Ahmed’s family moved from India to Canada in 1966, and he joined them in Chicago in 1972. His early days in Chicago were marked by his first experience with snow, a significant change from his upbringing in India. Despite living in the United States, Ahmed and his siblings continued to maintain strong ties to their cultural roots by visiting India during summers. He highlighted the importance of preserving his family’s cultural heritage, including learning the Hindi language and not becoming overly Americanized.
Guided by Family Values
Ahmed’s life and career have been profoundly shaped by his upbringing, emphasizing the importance of family, trust, and building strong relationships. He shared the valuable lesson his father imparted: “Everything being equal, a friend is going to buy from a friend.” This principle of trust and loyalty has been a guiding force in Ahmed’s professional journey.
Career with DISH
Amir Ahmed’s career with DISH began during the company’s early years. Over his 30-year tenure, he witnessed the transformation of the satellite TV industry from analog to digital dishes and the expansion of 5G networks. During this time, DISH has consistently provided innovative solutions to deliver high-quality services to customers at home and within various industries, including digital streaming, hospitality, and wireless communication.
DISH’s Focus on Hospitality
Today, DISH serves over 12,000 hotels with more than 1.3 million rooms across the United States. The company works closely with hotel brands, independents, and small businesses to provide tailored solutions that enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency. DISH offers a range of services, including linear content, OTT services, local services, customizable packages, and equipment to meet the unique needs of each hotel.
Introducing OnStream
In June, DISH Business introduced OnStream, a platform designed to deliver custom digital experiences for hotel management, staff, and guests. OnStream offers a user-friendly interface that allows guests to access services such as check-out, room service, housekeeping, and more directly from their TV screens or mobile devices. The platform not only enhances guest satisfaction but also reduces labor costs for hotels.
Amir Ahmed emphasized the central role of television in hotel rooms and how OnStream transforms the guest experience. It provides personalized content, welcomes guests with hotel information and offers, and even integrates with loyalty programs for tailored offers.
Future Growth
Looking ahead, Ahmed sees continued growth for DISH. The company remains committed to developing new products and solutions that simplify people’s lives and align with evolving technology trends worldwide. DISH’s focus on the hospitality sector and collaboration with hotel brands signal a promising future for innovative in-room entertainment solutions like OnStream.
In conclusion, Amir Ahmed’s journey from a sports enthusiast to a business leader reflects his dedication to building trust, fostering strong relationships, and preserving his cultural heritage. Under his leadership, DISH is making significant strides in the hospitality industry by offering cutting-edge technology solutions to enhance the guest experience.
Source: https://www.asianhospitality.com/sporting-spirit-heritage-guide-dish-evp/
