Rotana Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Rotana has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, content production, and media services.

Driven by a commitment to cultural relevance, Rotana delivers a diverse array of television channels and programs, resonating deeply with audiences across the MENA region and solidifying its position as a premier entertainment network.

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 strategy and operational execution for the entire entertainment network. Ahmad's leadership guides Rotana's mission to provide culturally resonant content across the MENA region, encompassing free-to-air Arabic movie channels, comedy shows, classic films, and contemporary dramas. This executive ensures alignment with market demands, particularly for Saudi and GCC audiences, by overseeing the development and distribution of programming that reflects local interests and societal issues. Ahmad's strategic vision extends to the network's music channels and educational content, positioning Rotana as a comprehensive entertainment platform. The Chief Executive Officer's role involves fostering innovation in content creation and delivery, maintaining Rotana's competitive edge in a dynamic media landscape. Same Ahmad's focus remains on expanding market reach and enhancing viewer engagement through strategic partnerships and technological advancements.

    Rami Damanhouri - Deputy Chief Executive Officer

    Rami Damanhouri, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Rotana, supports the Chief Executive Officer in executing the company's strategic objectives and managing daily operations. Damanhouri plays a crucial part in overseeing the network's diverse offerings, which include Arabic movie channels, comedy shows, classic films, and contemporary dramas, ensuring their quality and appeal to target demographics in Saudi Arabia and the GCC. This executive's responsibilities extend to the operational efficiency of Rotana's music and educational content divisions, contributing to the network's comprehensive entertainment platform status. Damanhouri works closely with department heads to implement initiatives that enhance viewer experience and broaden market penetration. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer's role involves driving operational improvements and ensuring seamless integration of new content strategies. Rami Damanhouri's efforts are vital in maintaining Rotana's leadership position within the MENA entertainment sector.

    Mohamed Kharbash - Chief Financial Officer

    Mohamed Kharbash, the Chief Financial Officer at Rotana, manages all financial aspects of the leading MENA entertainment network. Kharbash oversees budgeting, financial planning, and reporting, ensuring the fiscal health and sustainability of Rotana's diverse operations, which span movie channels, comedy shows, classic films, and contemporary dramas. This executive's purview includes managing revenue streams from advertising, subscriptions, and content licensing, crucial for funding the production of culturally relevant programming for Saudi and GCC audiences. Kharbash also directs financial strategies for the network's music and educational content divisions, supporting Rotana's comprehensive entertainment platform. The Chief Financial Officer's role involves optimizing financial performance, mitigating risks, and securing investment for future growth initiatives. Mohamed Kharbash's expertise is critical in navigating the financial complexities of the media industry and supporting Rotana's market expansion.

    Hala Sarhan - President Rotana Studios

    Hala Sarhan, the President Rotana Studios at Rotana, leads the creative and production arm of the entertainment network. Sarhan is responsible for the development and execution of all television channels and programs, including Arabic movie channels, comedy shows, classic films, and contemporary dramas, ensuring content resonates with Saudi and GCC audiences. This executive drives the vision for producing culturally relevant programming that addresses viewer interests and societal issues, maintaining Rotana's appeal. Sarhan's leadership extends to the production of music channels and educational content, solidifying Rotana's position as a comprehensive entertainment platform. The President Rotana Studios' role involves fostering talent, managing production budgets, and innovating content formats to capture diverse demographics. Hala Sarhan's strategic direction is key to maintaining Rotana's reputation for high-quality, engaging entertainment.

    Nezar Nagro - President, Rotana Media Services

    Nezar Nagro, the President, Rotana Media Services at Rotana, directs the commercial and advertising operations for the MENA entertainment network. Nagro oversees the monetization of Rotana's diverse content portfolio, including its Arabic movie channels, comedy shows, classic films, and contemporary dramas, ensuring maximum revenue generation from media services. This executive is pivotal in developing and implementing sales strategies that appeal to advertisers seeking to reach Saudi and GCC audiences with culturally relevant messaging. Nagro's responsibilities encompass managing relationships with clients and agencies, driving advertising sales for music channels and educational content, and exploring new commercial opportunities. The President, Rotana Media Services' role involves optimizing advertising placements and developing innovative media solutions. Nezar Nagro's commercial acumen is essential for sustaining Rotana's growth and market leadership.
    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.