Dubai-based pay TV network OSN appoints new CEO

Dubai-based pay TV network OSN announced that it has appointed Martin Stewart as its new chief executive officer.

Stewart replaces David Butorac, who served as OSN’s CEO from 2010. No reason was given for Butorac’s departure from the company.

Previously director general of ONO, a Spanish broadband company, Stewart also earlier served as the chief financial officer for European entertainment company Sky.

He was also the CFO of British music recording firm EMI and remains the CFO of The Football Association (The FA) in the UK.

Stewart has also been a non-executive director at OSN since 2015.

He will assume office on August 1.

Stewart said: “The business is well positioned to take advantage of new opportunities and I am confident that we have the team, network and resources to gain a stronger foothold across the region.

“The rise in digital content, smart TVs and smartphone penetration together with a youthful population affords an exciting opportunity for growth in the future.”

Owned by Kuwait Projects Company (KIPCO) and Saudi Arabia’s Mawarid Group, OSN offers subscription TV services across the Middle East and North Africa region.

The company, which has partnerships with studios such as Warner Brothers, Paramount, Disney, MGM, NBCUniversal, HBO and DreamWorks, currently offers over 150 channels.

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