beIN Media Group appoints chief executive

Nasser al-Khelaifi, chairman of beIN Media Group, has appointed Yousef al-Obaidly as chief executive officer of the leading sports and entertainment group, it was announced yesterday.Al-Obaidly assumes the role previously held by al-Khelaifi, according to a statement.Al-Obaidly earlier was the deputy CEO where he played a central role in establishing beIN as the most prominent pay TV sport network in the Mena region and its global expansion across the sports and entertainment sector. His appointment is testament to both his loyalty and commitment to the organisation, having served in a number of positions during the course of his 15-year tenure with beIN Media Group, it was explained.Al-Khelaifi said: “Yousef’s experience and drive are instrumental to our organisation as we continue to make great strides as a leader in sports and entertainment. I am confident that Yousef’s leadership will help us achieve our growth ambitions and ensure the success of our operations.”Al-Obaidly, said: “It is a great honour to be given the opportunity to contribute to our organisation’s success in this new capacity. Nasser’s guidance and leadership have been integral to shaping beIN as a global sports and entertainment powerhouse, and I share his commitment to ensuring the success and growth of our organisation.”In 2012, al-Obaidly played a pivotal role in the beIN Media Group’s international expansion of its network, where he was responsible for the launch of beIN Sports France, Americas and Asia-Pacific.In December 2013, alongside beIN Media Group chairman al-Khelaifi, he completed the transition of Al Jazeera Sport into beIN Sports, the international sports network.