Middle East broadcaster and streamer MBC Group has named Mike Sneesby as its new CEO.
Starting May 1, Sneesby succeeds Sam Barnett who is stepping down to assume a new executive role in Europe. Barnett has served as CEO since November 2011.
Sneesby most recently served as CEO of Nine Entertainment, Australia’s largest media company, from 2021–2024. Sneesby was previously the CEO and founder of Australian streaming platform Stan. He also served as CEO of the e-commerce platform Cudo, and as Vice President of IPTV at Intigral.
MBC said Sneesby has demonstrated success in applying global technology trends to local markets, with a strong focus on digital innovation, media growth, and strategic partnerships. He has also led large-scale commercial, studio, and sports rights deals.
Waleed Al-Ibrahim, MBC Group Chairman, said: “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. 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.”
You are not signed in
Only registered users can comment on this article.
Sky launches ‘Your Multiview’ tech for sports viewers
Sky has launched ‘Your Multiview’, allowing customers to watch up to four live Sky Sports events simultaneously on one screen.
ScreenSkills names Sinéad Rocks as CEO
ScreenSkills has appointed Sinéad Rocks as its new Chief Executive Officer.
BFI unveils film academy hubs to train 16- to 25-year-olds
The British Film Institute’s (BFI) skills programme for young people aged 16-25, BFI Film Academy, has unveiled 12 hubs around the UK to help underrepresented young people to access local screen industry training and careers support.
Salon enables productions to book Europe’s heritage sites
Salon is opening its booking platform for cultural and heritage venues to the media production sector.
footagen.ai unveils an AI-native film workflow
Finnish film and creative production company Frame Rate Oy has unveiled footagen.ai, an AI-native film workflow designed to take productions from screenplay to controlled, edit-ready shots and clips without handing creative decisions to an AI system.


.jpg)
