The Middle East’s MBC Group has hired former Nine Network boss Mike Sneesby as CEO, with long-serving incumbent Sam Barnett stepping down.
A note posted today announced the news, with Sneesby joining on May 1. He exited his post as Nine CEO after a damaging year after a report into the Australian network’s work culture revealed allegations of sexual harassment against former news chief Darren Wick.
MBC’s board had accepted Barnett’s resignation, saying it “extends its sincere thanks and appreciation… for his efforts and achievements during his tenure and wishes him continued success in his future endeavors.
Barnett had joined the Saudi Arabia-based MBC in 2002 and rose to CEO by 2011. He led on deals with the Hollywood studios and led the push into high-end original production through MBC Studios. Barnett also oversaw the launch of streamer Shahid, and during a year out launched a Rwandan production company, Zacu Entertainment, which he sold to Canal+.
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The broadcaster has a strong hold over the local market and launched buzzy shows such as Rashash and Rise of the Witches along with feature films. However, MBC’s big-budget feature epic Desert Warrior was plagued by production problems, as we documented last year, and is still to release, four years after it was announced.
MBC called Sneesby an “experienced media executive with deep global experience.” As well as leading Nine Entertainment, he was the founder and CEO of Stan, the Nine-backed Aussie streamer, and led e-commerce platform Cudo as Chief Exec.
He “has demonstrated success in applying global technology trends to local markets, with a strong focus on digital innovation, media growth, and strategic partnerships,” it added. “He has led large-scale commercial, studio, and sports rights deals.”
Last year, MBC named Samar Akrouk as Managing Director of MBC Studios following the departure of Christina Wayne, news we first revealed in May 2024.
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