E& is Vodafone's biggest shareholder, with a 14.6 per cent stake. The two companies formed a strategic agreement in May, which included a seat on the board for Dowidar.
Government said last month that E&'s stake in Vodafone posed national security risks in terms of government contracts and cyber security. But it is now satisfied with the steps taken to alleviate its concerns.
Dowidar said he looked forward to joining Vodafone's board to "support the rapid transformation being undertaken by (chief executive) Margherita Della Valle and the management team".
Vodafone chair Jean-Francois van Boxmeer said, Dowidar "brings extensive experience within the telecommunications industry and has held senior positions across a range of companies in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. His appointment will further strengthen our strategic partnership".
Dowidar brings 30 years of experience of working in multinational companies, 24 of which were in the telecommunications sector. He began his career in AEG/Deutsche Aerospace (Daimler Benz Group) in Egypt, before moving into marketing at Procter & Gamble, where he held several managerial roles.
Prior to joining E&, Dowidar held various leadership positions at Vodafone, including regional director emerging markets, CEO of Vodafone Egypt, CEO of Vodafone Malta and CEO of partner markets, which covered Vodafone’s partnership agreements in more than 45 markets around the world.
Hatem joined E& in September 2015, initially as group chief operating officer before being appointed group CEO in 2020.