Rotana Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Rotana has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, media services, and studio production.

Driven by a commitment to cultural excellence, Rotana delivers premium entertainment across the MENA region, shaping the media landscape through diverse programming that resonates deeply with Saudi and GCC audiences.

Leadership Roles at Rotana

  • Chief Executive Officer - Same Ahmad
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Rami Damanhouri
  • Chief Financial Officer - Mohamed Kharbash
  • Chief Operating Officer - Michael Cairns
  • President, Rotana Media Services - Nezar Nagro
  • President Rotana Studios - Hala Sarhan
  • 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 free-to-air Arabic movie channels and contemporary drama portfolios, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the company maintains a dominant market position across the MENA region. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to align programming with the evolving interests of Saudi and GCC viewers. Same Ahmad monitors the competitive landscape to identify new opportunities for growth in the broadcasting sector. Through rigorous oversight of content acquisition and distribution strategies, the Chief Executive Officer drives the network toward long-term sustainability. By fostering innovation in media delivery, the Chief Executive Officer secures the company's status as a premier entertainment platform for the Arab world, consistently delivering culturally relevant content that captures broad audience segments.

    Rami Damanhouri - Deputy Chief Executive Officer

    Rami Damanhouri, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Rotana, manages the daily execution of corporate initiatives and cross-departmental workflows. Supporting the broader strategic goals, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer coordinates efforts between the television broadcasting units and the digital content teams to ensure operational efficiency. Rami Damanhouri evaluates performance metrics across all channels to optimize programming schedules for maximum viewer engagement. This role requires constant interaction with department heads to streamline internal processes and resource allocation. By focusing on the operational health of the network, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer enables the company to scale its reach effectively throughout the GCC markets. Through meticulous management of internal projects, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer strengthens the infrastructure supporting the diverse range of comedy shows and classic films, ensuring that the network remains a comprehensive entertainment destination for all Arab viewers.

    Mohamed Kharbash - Chief Financial Officer

    Mohamed Kharbash, the Chief Financial Officer at Rotana, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire entertainment network. By overseeing financial planning, budgeting, and investment analysis, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the company maintains the resources required to produce and acquire premium Arabic content. Mohamed Kharbash interacts with the executive team to evaluate the profitability of various television channels and programming ventures. This role involves rigorous risk management and the development of financial models that support long-term growth in the MENA media market. Through the optimization of revenue streams and cost-control measures, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial stability necessary for the network to continue its mission of providing culturally relevant entertainment. By maintaining transparency and fiscal discipline, the Chief Financial Officer enables the company to invest in new creative projects that resonate with Saudi and GCC audiences.

    Michael Cairns - Chief Operating Officer

    Michael Cairns, the Chief Operating Officer at Rotana, architects the technical and logistical frameworks necessary for high-quality media broadcasting. Overseeing the infrastructure for music channels and educational content, the Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless transmission and digital delivery across the MENA region. Michael Cairns manages the technical teams responsible for maintaining the broadcast quality that defines the network's reputation. This leadership role involves optimizing supply chain logistics for content production and ensuring that all technical assets align with the company's growth objectives. By implementing advanced broadcasting technologies, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the viewer experience and supports the network's expansion into new digital territories. Through constant monitoring of operational performance, the Chief Operating Officer drives efficiency across all technical departments, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of the competitive media industry while delivering consistent, high-quality entertainment to diverse audiences.

    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. By overseeing the monetization of the diverse range of television channels, the President, Rotana Media Services ensures that the company maximizes its revenue potential through strategic partnerships and client relationships. Nezar Nagro leads the sales teams in developing innovative advertising solutions that connect brands with the network's vast audience across the Arab world. This leadership role involves constant engagement with market trends to ensure that the advertising inventory remains highly attractive to regional and international advertisers. Through the effective management of media sales, the President, Rotana Media Services supports the network's ability to invest in high-quality comedy shows and contemporary dramas. By driving commercial growth, the President, Rotana Media Services ensures the company maintains its status as a leading entertainment platform in the MENA region.
    Nezar Nagro

    Hala Sarhan - President Rotana Studios

    Hala Sarhan, the President Rotana Studios at Rotana, oversees the creative development and production of original content, including classic films and contemporary dramas. By directing the studio's production pipeline, the President Rotana Studios ensures that all creative output aligns with the company's mission to provide culturally relevant programming for Saudi and GCC audiences. Hala Sarhan manages the relationships with talent, directors, and writers to foster a culture of artistic excellence. This leadership role involves evaluating scripts and production concepts to ensure they resonate with the diverse interests of the Arab world. Through the strategic management of the studio's resources, the President Rotana Studios drives the creation of compelling narratives that define the network's brand identity. By maintaining a focus on high-quality storytelling, the President Rotana Studios ensures that the company remains a premier destination for viewers seeking authentic and engaging entertainment experiences.

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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 6 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, Chief Operating Officer, President, Rotana Media Services.