Middle East Broadcasting Center (MBC) Group has announced the resignation of its longest-serving Chief Executive Officer, Sam Barnett, with immediate effect.  

According to a recent announcement from PPF Group, Sam has been appointed as the new CEO of its TV Group – Central European Media Enterprises (CME), effective from May 1. He will be taking over from CME’s current CEO and PPF’s Chief Investment Officer, Didier Stoessel. Didier has held the dual responsibilities since 2022 and will now continue to focus on PPF's media investments as the CIO. Announcing the CEO shuffle, Didier said, “I'm very happy to welcome Sam to CME. After conducting a thorough succession process, we are confident that Sam's global expertise and leadership experience make him the right person to lead CME in the future.”  

Ever since CME has been acquired by PPF, it has undergone a major transformation, evolving from a traditional TV broadcaster into a modern media company with both linear and digital offerings. Its streaming service, Voyo, has also witnessed significant growth in new markets, alongside the launch of the OTT platform Oneplay. Didier added, “I look forward to Sam and CME's senior management continuing to lead the company to even greater successes, seizing new opportunities in the company's ongoing digital transition across our markets.”  

Bringing a wealth of media and broadcasting leadership experience to his new role, Sam said, “For over three decades, CME has always performed at the top of its game as the leading television entertainment and news source across multiple markets. The ongoing digitalization, forcing an evolution of viewing habits, is an opportunity that CME has seized. I look forward to building on this strategic advantage, maintaining CME's pole position as the go-to source of video content in Central and Southeastern Europe.”  

Waleed Al-Ibrahim, Chairman of the MBC Group, wished the outgoing CEO well, saying, “Sam Barnett has played a key role in growing our group into a regional market leader within the competitive media and entertainment industry. I wish him great success in his move to Europe.”  

Meanwhile, Mike Sneesby is taking over responsibilities as the new CEO of MBC Group. He brings a wealth of industry leadership experience to the role. Most recently, he served as CEO of Australia-based broadcaster Nine Entertainment for nearly four years. Previously, he was CEO and co-founder of Stan, CEO of Cudo, Vice President of IPTV at UAE-based Intigral, and Group Manager at Optus. He has also held other roles with Optiva INC (Redknee), Jacobs, and served as a non-executive director for Free TV Australia and Domain, as well as a council member of the University of Wollongong.  

Al-Ibrahim welcomed Mike, adding, “Looking ahead, we have ambitious growth and expansion plans, and I’m confident that Mike Sneesby, along with our stellar team, will propel the group to new heights.”  

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Mike added, “I would like to thank Sheikh Waleed for his trust and support, and I look forward to working with him and the MBC Board. It is a privilege for me to join the team following Sam’s great success and leadership over many years. MBC leads the way in media across the region, and we will continue our growth with increasing global impact. We will deliver on this through innovation, creativity, digital transformation, and our continued commitment to the production of world-leading content with fresh and compelling storytelling.”