Sam Barnett, has been appointed as CME’s Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1, 2025.
The news, released by Central Media Enterprises, as MBC Group named Mike Sneesby as his successor.
“I’m very happy to welcome Sam to CME. After conducting a thorough succession process, we are confident that Sam’s global expertise and leadership experience make him the right person to lead CME in the future,” said Didier Stoessel, PPF Chief Investment Officer and CME’s current CEO, responsible for the Czech and Romanian markets.
In his new role, Barnett will succeed Stoessel, who will now concentrate on his responsibilities as Chief Investment Officer.
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. The extraordinary growth of the Czech-Slovak subscriber base of the Voyo streaming service, from 30,000 to 950,000, the launch of Oneplay, an integrated over-the-top video streaming and live television platform, and the ongoing audience leadership of CME’s television channels across most of its markets underline the strength of CME’s business.
Commenting on his appointment Barnett said: “For over three decades, CME has always performed at the top of its game as the leading television entertainment and news source across multiple markets. The ongoing digitalization, forcing an evolution of viewing habits, is an opportunity that CME has seized. I look forward to building on this strategic advantage, maintaining CME’s pole position as the go-to source of video content in Central and Southeastern Europe.”
Waleed Al-Ibrahim, MBC GROUP Chairman said Barnett had played a key role in the development of the Group. “I wish him great success in his move to Europe. Looking ahead, 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.”
Sneesby served as CEO of Nine Entertainment (2021–2024), Australia’s largest media company. Previously, he was the CEO and founder of Stan (2013–2021), which he built into one of the most successful streaming platforms. He also served as CEO of the e-commerce platform Cudo, and as Vice President of IPTV at Intigral.
