Stan founder Mike Sneesby named new MBC Group CEO as Sam Barnett heads to CME

Mike Sneesby, left, and Sam Barnett

MBC Group in the Middle East’s CEO Sam Barnett is stepping down after 23 years at the company to take up a new role with Central European Media Enterprises (CME), with Mike Sneesby, the founder of Australian streamer Stan, set to replace him.

Barnett is leaving MBC to join CME as CEO. He has served as MBC’s CEO since November 2011 and will continue to support the company as advisor to the board.

Barnett joined MBC in 2002 as director of operations. He was then promoted to chief operating officer in 2005, a role he held until becoming CEO.

Sneesby most recently served as CEO of Nine Entertainment in Australia from 2021 to 2024 and is the founder and former CEO of streamer Stan, which he launched in 2013. He will start at MBC on May 1.

Sneesby departed troubled Nine in September last year following disappointing financial results and a litany of issues including management integrity challenges, newsroom toxicity allegations, staff strikes and cost-cutting measures that have resulted in the loss of hundreds of staff.

At European channels operator CME Barnett will succeed Didier Stoessel, CME’s current CEO, allowing him to focus on his other role as chief investment officer of parent company PPF.

Since its acquisition by PPF four years ago, CME has undergone significant transformation as it moved from a linear-focused broadcaster to a linear and digital media group, growing the Czech-Slovak subscriber base of its Voyo streaming service from 30,000 to 950,000.

Waleed Al-Ibrahim, chair of MBC, 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.

“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.”