Profiles Contact

Dr. Ehsan Bayat

Founder

The Bayat Group

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, USA

Ehsan Bayat

The Bernbach Group

Dr. Ehsan Bayat’s Biography

Dr. Ehsanollah (Ehsan) Bayat is a prominent Afghan American entrepreneur and philanthropist who has significantly contributed to Afghanistan's development through ventures in telecommunications, energy and media, alongside extensive humanitarian efforts.

Born in Afghanistan, Bayat's early life was disrupted by the Soviet invasion in 1979, prompting his family's relocation to the United States. He graduated from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and began his entrepreneurial journey by owning a wholesale food distribution company.

Bayat returned to Afghanistan in 2002 with a mission to aid in rebuilding his homeland. He founded Afghan Wireless Communication Company (AWCC), the nation's first mobile phone company, now the largest operator serving millions across all 34 provinces.

In 2005, Bayat launched Ariana Television and Radio Network, which has become Afghanistan’s largest private media network, providing news and entertainment to over 25 million people. In 2019, he launched Bayat Power, Afghanistan’s first Independent Power Producer (IPP) and a pioneer in the country’s... Dr. Ehsanollah (Ehsan) Bayat is a prominent Afghan American entrepreneur and philanthropist who has significantly contributed to Afghanistan's development through ventures in telecommunications, energy and media, alongside extensive humanitarian efforts.

Born in Afghanistan, Bayat's early life was disrupted by the Soviet invasion in 1979, prompting his family's relocation to the United States. He graduated from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and began his entrepreneurial journey by owning a wholesale food distribution company.

Bayat returned to Afghanistan in 2002 with a mission to aid in rebuilding his homeland. He founded Afghan Wireless Communication Company (AWCC), the nation's first mobile phone company, now the largest operator serving millions across all 34 provinces.

In 2005, Bayat launched Ariana Television and Radio Network, which has become Afghanistan’s largest private media network, providing news and entertainment to over 25 million people. In 2019, he launched Bayat Power, Afghanistan’s first Independent Power Producer (IPP) and a pioneer in the country’s gas-to-power generation space, which has provided light and heat to more than 1 million households.

Bayat's philanthropic initiatives are directed through the Bayat Foundation, Afghanistan’s largest charitable organization. Established in 2006 by Bayat and his wife Fatema, the foundation aims to improve the health, education, and economic well-being of the Afghan people, notably constructing 14 maternity and neonatal hospitals that have treated more than 4 million patients.

Dr. Ehsan Bayat’s contributions to Afghanistan's economic and social revitalization have earned him numerous accolades, including the Mahatma Gandhi Humanitarian Award and the Afghan American Chamber of Commerce Businessman of the Year Award. READ MORE VIEW LESS

Dr. Ehsan Bayat’s Background

The Bayat Group

Founder

2002 - Present

Kabul, AF

The Bayat Group is Afghanistan's largest private diversified company, including telecoms, media, energy, charitable work, and technology. It employs over 10,000 Afghans and impacts 100,000 more through its operations.

Bayat Energy

Founder

Kabul, AF

Bayat Energy, part of the Bayat Group, is engaged in oil and gas exploration, development, and production in Afghanistan. It aims to use the country's natural resources to boost energy production and support economic growth.

Ariana Television Network

Founder

2005 - Present

Kabul, AF

Ariana Television Network (ATN), established by Ehsan Bayat, is Afghanistan's largest private television and radio network, broadcasting a variety of news, educational, and entertainment content across the country and to Dari and Pashto speakers globally. ATN is part of the Bayat Group.

Ariana FM

Founder

Kabul, AF

Ariana FM 93.5 offers diverse radio programming in Dari and Pashto. It broadcasts music, news, and cultural content, reaching listeners across Afghanistan and the wider Dari and Pashto-speaking diaspora. Ariana FM is part of the Bayat Group.

Afghan Wireless Communications Company (AWCC)

Founder

2002 - Present

Kabul, AF

The establishment of the Afghan Wireless Communication Company (AWCC) revolutionised Afghanistan's archaic telecommunications sector. It was Afghanistan's first wireless telecommunications provider, and today provides extensive mobile services, including 4G LTE, to over 5 million subscribers across the country. AWCC is part of the Bayat Group.

Pamir Foods

Owner

New York, NY, USA

Pamir Foods was a restaurant and food supply holding company with interests throughout the greater New York region.

View all Hide

Dr. Ehsan Bayat’s Gallery

Other Business Interests

Telephone Systems International

Founder, President & CEO

1998 - Present

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, USA

Telephone Systems International, founded by Ehsan Bayat in 1998, is based in Florida. The company is the majority stakeholder of Afghan Wireless Communications Company (AWCC), Afghanistan's first mobile communications company.

Philanthropy

The Bayat Foundation

Founder & Chairman of the Board

2006 - Present

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, USA

The Bayat Foundation, founded in 2006 by Ehsan Bayat and his wife Fatema, is dedicated to improving living conditions in Afghanistan. It provides food, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, focusing on women, children, and families in need.

Awards & Recognition

American University of Afghanistan

Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters

2012

Friends of South Asian American Communities

Mahatma Gandhi Humanitarian Award

2010

Los Angeles, CA, USA

View all Hide

Dr. Ehsan Bayat’s Education

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Engineering Technology, BSc

1982 - 1986