Rotana Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Rotana has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operational management, financial oversight, film production, and media sales.

Focused on delivering culturally resonant entertainment across the MENA region, Rotana maintains a commitment to high-quality Arabic programming that connects deeply with diverse audiences throughout the GCC and beyond.

Leadership Roles at Rotana

  • Chief Executive Officer - Same Ahmad
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Rami Damanhouri
  • Chief Financial Officer - Mohamed Kharbash
  • President Rotana Studios - Hala Sarhan
  • President, Rotana Media Services - Nezar Nagro
  • Same Ahmad - Chief Executive Officer

    Same Ahmad, the Chief Executive Officer at Rotana, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire entertainment network. By overseeing the expansion of television channels and digital programming, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the network remains the premier destination for Arabic content. Same Ahmad manages high-level relationships with regional stakeholders to solidify market dominance across the MENA region. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of audience trends to refine the portfolio of movie channels, comedy shows, and contemporary dramas. Through rigorous analysis of viewer engagement, the Chief Executive Officer drives innovation in content delivery. By aligning creative output with the cultural interests of Saudi and GCC audiences, the Chief Executive Officer secures long-term growth. Ultimately, Ahmad maintains the competitive edge of the network by fostering a culture of excellence and operational efficiency across all departments.

    Rami Damanhouri - Deputy Chief Executive Officer

    Rami Damanhouri, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Rotana, executes the daily operational mandates required to maintain the network's extensive broadcast infrastructure. Overseeing the integration of new programming schedules, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer ensures seamless delivery of classic films and educational content to millions of viewers. Rami Damanhouri coordinates cross-departmental workflows to optimize the production cycle of comedy shows and dramas. This leadership role involves managing the technical requirements for regional broadcasting, ensuring that the network meets the high standards expected by Arab audiences. By streamlining internal processes, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer supports the broader mission of providing culturally relevant entertainment. Damanhouri monitors performance metrics to identify opportunities for operational improvement. Through consistent oversight of resource allocation, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer stabilizes the network's ability to scale content distribution across diverse geographic markets.

    Mohamed Kharbash - Chief Financial Officer

    Mohamed Kharbash, the Chief Financial Officer at Rotana, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire media organization. Overseeing the budgeting process for content acquisition and production, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources align with the network's long-term growth objectives. Mohamed Kharbash evaluates investment opportunities in new media technologies to maintain the company's market position. This leadership role involves rigorous reporting to the board regarding revenue streams from advertising and subscription models. By optimizing cost structures, the Chief Financial Officer supports the sustainability of the network's diverse television offerings. Kharbash drives financial transparency and accountability across all business units. Through careful management of regional economic fluctuations, the Chief Financial Officer protects the company's assets. Ultimately, Kharbash secures the necessary funding to fuel the development of high-quality Arabic entertainment that resonates with audiences throughout the MENA region.

    Hala Sarhan - President Rotana Studios

    Hala Sarhan, the President Rotana Studios at Rotana, architects the creative direction and production pipeline for the network's film and drama portfolio. Overseeing the development of contemporary dramas and classic film restorations, the President Rotana Studios ensures that every project reflects the cultural nuances of the Arab world. Hala Sarhan leads the creative teams in identifying compelling narratives that appeal to both young and adult viewers. This leadership role involves managing talent acquisition and production partnerships to elevate the quality of original content. By fostering innovation in storytelling, the President Rotana Studios drives audience engagement and brand loyalty. Sarhan coordinates with the broader network to ensure that studio outputs align with the overall entertainment strategy. Through the curation of culturally relevant themes, the President Rotana Studios strengthens the network's influence. Ultimately, Sarhan delivers premium content that defines the standard for Arabic cinema and television.

    Nezar Nagro - President, Rotana Media Services

    Nezar Nagro, the President, Rotana Media Services at Rotana, directs the commercial strategy and advertising sales operations for the network's extensive channel portfolio. Overseeing the monetization of comedy shows, music channels, and movie broadcasts, the President, Rotana Media Services ensures that the network maximizes its reach among advertisers targeting the MENA region. Nezar Nagro builds strategic partnerships with brands seeking to connect with Saudi and GCC audiences through culturally relevant media placements. This leadership role involves analyzing market data to optimize ad inventory and pricing models. By driving revenue growth through innovative advertising solutions, the President, Rotana Media Services supports the network's ability to invest in premium content. Nagro manages the sales force to ensure consistent performance across all regional markets. Through the execution of targeted media campaigns, the President, Rotana Media Services enhances the commercial value of the network's diverse programming lineup.
    Nezar Nagro

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Rotana Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Rotana?
    Rotana is led by Same Ahmad (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Rami Damanhouri (Deputy Chief Executive Officer) and Mohamed Kharbash (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Rotana’s executive team?
    The executive team of Rotana includes leaders such as Same Ahmad (Chief Executive Officer), Rami Damanhouri (Deputy Chief Executive Officer), Mohamed Kharbash (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Rotana have?
    Rotana has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Rotana’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Rotana includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President Rotana Studios, President, Rotana Media Services.