Latest news with #InternationalMediaInvestments
Sharjah 24
25-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Nahyan bin Mubarak honours ADMAF awardees, media youth
A message of national development and youth empowerment In his speech, Sheikh Nahyan highlighted the importance of investing in the nation's youth, calling them the "true wealth" of the UAE. He praised the graduates for embodying ambition and national values and emphasised the role of culture and media as tools for development, dialogue, and global connection. He also tied the ceremony to the goals of the Year of Community 2025, stressing the significance of social cohesion and cultural preservation. ADMAF's strategic vision Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF, reiterated the foundation's commitment to supporting youth through awards in creativity, visual arts, sustainable design, and jewelry design. She emphasised the importance of preparing young professionals for the digital age, including developments in artificial intelligence. Industry mentorship and real-world learning The Young Media Leaders programme, developed in collaboration with International Media Investments (IMI), provided immersive training under prominent media figures such as Mohamed Al Hammadi, Dr. Sulaiman Al-Hattlan, Nayla Tueni, and others. Rani Raad, CEO of IMI, praised the programme's success in developing media professionals equipped with real-world experience and a deep understanding of Emirati values. Recognising talent across artistic disciplines This year's ADMAF Awards celebrated excellence across various creative disciplines, highlighting the innovation and cultural insight of young Emirati talents. Dana Alkatheeri from Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi received the Creativity Award for her original musical composition The Founder's Legacy, which pays tribute to the environmental vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The Visual Arts Award was presented to Abdulla Alneyadi of UAE University for his sculptural piece Eternal Gateways, which draws inspiration from traditional Emirati architecture to convey themes of unity and community. The Sustainability Design Award went to Tasneem Albaiti and Alreem Alameri from Zayed University for their innovative research project on creating paper from leaf waste, contributing to sustainable practices in design and environmental awareness. Longstanding partnerships Dr Karim El Solh, CEO of Gulf Capital, highlighted the 14-year partnership with ADMAF, noting its role in opening doors for young creatives. He reaffirmed the commitment to supporting youth through access to resources and platforms that turn passion into purpose. A vision for the future The ceremony concluded with a reaffirmation of the UAE's dedication to cultivating a creative, informed, and innovative generation. Sheikh Nahyan praised the achievements of the awardees and graduates, stressing their role in shaping the UAE's cultural and media landscape for the years to come.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
RedBird Capital Partners Announces Agreement To Acquire Telegraph Media Group
RedBird Capital Partners has today announced an in-principle agreement to acquire the Telegraph Media Group, becoming the sole control owner, which unlocks a new era of growth for the 170-year-old title RedBird's growth strategy will include capital investment in digital operations, subscriptions and journalism as it looks to expand The Telegraph internationally RedBird is in discussions with select UK-based minority investors with print media expertise and strong commitment to upholding the editorial values of The Telegraph International Media Investments ("IMI") will participate as a minority investor subject to ongoing secondary legislation NEW YORK, May 23, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--RedBird Capital Partners ("RedBird") today announced that it has reached an in-principle agreement to acquire The Telegraph Media Group ("The Telegraph" or "TMG") at a total enterprise valuation of £500m, becoming the sole control owner. It is the largest investment in UK print media in a decade and unlocks a new era of growth for the 170-year-old title. RedBird's growth strategy will include capital investment in the group's digital operations to continue driving subscriptions, using best in class data analytics and Artificial Intelligence tools to expand the value proposition to its core subscriber base and potential new subscribers. RedBird will build on the strong financial foundations established by the current management team and will work with them to grow the brand internationally, with a focus on the United States where RedBird has a strong strategic presence across news, media and sports. Together, RedBird and TMG senior leadership will work to develop new content verticals in areas such as travel and events to maximise the commercial opportunities from a growing international and mass affluent subscriber base. With this transaction, RedBird has emerged as one of the largest investors in UK media, sports and entertainment, with a portfolio including Premier League Champion Liverpool FC; All3Media, the UK's largest independent television, film and digital production and distribution company; Fulwell Entertainment, one of the UK's leading television, film and music production companies; Build a Rocket Boy, one of the UK's largest independent video gaming and entertainment studios; and the pending acquisition of the UK's Channel 5 as a result of Skydance Entertainment's merger with Paramount Global. Gerry Cardinale, Founder and Managing Partner of RedBird, said: "This transaction marks the start of a new era for The Telegraph as we look to grow the brand in the UK and internationally, invest in its technology and expand its subscriber base. We believe that the UK is a great place to invest, and this acquisition is an important part of RedBird's growing portfolio of media and entertainment companies in the UK. Having now spent time with Chris Evans, Anna Jones and the entire senior management team at The Telegraph, we have tremendous conviction in the growth potential of this incredibly important cultural institution." "RedBird has a 30-year track record partnering with iconic, longstanding brands and supporting their underlying intellectual property for new forms of monetisation. We are looking forward to working with The Telegraph's exceptional leadership to deliver a growth plan that takes The Telegraph's journalism to new audiences around the world." "I also want to thank the Independent Directors and Deputy Chairman, Lord Black, for their tireless work and unwavering commitment to seeing this sale process through over the last two years. With this announcement, we are now looking forward to working with the Independent Directors and UK government regulators to complete our acquisition process." Chris Evans, Editor of The Daily Telegraph, said: "The Telegraph has made enormous progress in recent years since the launch of its digital subscriptions strategy, thanks to the hard work of its brilliant staff. But there is much more that can be achieved. With the right plan and the right investment by ambitious new owners, this venerable title can look forward to an era of unprecedented success." Anna Jones, CEO of Telegraph Media Group, said: "Telegraph Media Group is an award-winning news media organisation, with exceptional journalism at its heart, supported by leading commercial expertise, a commitment to innovation and a laser focus on data to drive strategy. RedBird Capital Partners have exciting growth plans that build on our success - and will unlock our full potential across the breadth of our business." RedBird has ambitious growth plans that focus on investing in top journalistic talent, from award-winning reporters to opinion-leading commentators. It will also remove barriers to growth and accelerate the transition to digital, building on The Telegraph's success as 'Website of the Year' at the UK Press Awards for two consecutive years. A key part of RedBird's strategy is expanding The Telegraph's global reach, particularly in the United States, leveraging the title's iconic brand and authoritative reporting to drive new audiences seeking world class independent journalism. Collaboration across RedBird's portfolio will create unique partnership opportunities, blending tradition with innovation to expand The Telegraph's position as a global leader in quality journalism. RedBird is in discussions with select UK-based minority investors with print media expertise and strong commitment to upholding the editorial values of The Telegraph. International Media Investments ("IMI") will also participate in the acquisition as a minority investor, subject to the passage of secondary legislation regarding foreign ownership thresholds. RedBird Capital Partners was founded in 2014 by Gerry Cardinale, a leading investor and philanthropist with significant experience in building multi-billion-dollar iconic intellectual property companies. Managing a global portfolio of sports, media and entertainment, and financial services companies, RedBird spans ten offices worldwide, serving blue-chip institutional and family office investors seeking unique, transformative and differentiated investment opportunities across these three industry verticals. RedBird's flagship investments include Skydance Media (Larry and David Ellison) and its pending merger with Paramount Global; All3 Media; AC Milan; Fenway Sports Group (Boston Red Sox, Liverpool FC, Pittsburgh Penguins, PGA Tour); the Yankees Entertainment & Sports ("YES") Network (New York Yankees and Amazon); Artists Equity (Ben Affleck and Matt Damon); Fulwell Entertainment (Ben Winston, James Corden and Maverick Carter); the United Football League (Disney/ESPN, Fox and Dwayne Johnson); the Indian Premier League's Rajasthan Royals; and Formula One's Alpine Racing team. RedBird also has a strong foothold in the financial services sector through a broad investment portfolio across insurance, specialty finance and wealth management, including Arax, one of the fastest growing wealth management platforms in the US that RedBird has scaled to $27 billion of AUM; Aquarian, a diversified life and annuity carrier and asset management platform with $20 billion in assets; and Bishop Street Underwriters, which recently acquired Landmark Underwriting, a specialty-focused managing general agent based in London, to expand its reach into the UK insurance market. About RedBird Capital Partners RedBird Capital Partners is a private investment firm that builds high-growth companies with strategic capital solutions to founders and entrepreneurs. The firm currently manages $12 billion in assets on behalf of a global group of blue-chip institutional and family office investors. Founded in 2014 by Gerry Cardinale, RedBird integrates sophisticated private equity investing with a hands-on business-building mandate that focuses on three core industry verticals – Sports, Media & Entertainment, and Financial Services. Over his 30-year investment career, Cardinale has partnered with founders and entrepreneurs to build some of the most iconic growth companies in their respective industries. For more information, please go to View source version on Contacts Hanbury Strategy - UK Media RedBirdCapital@ Gagnier Communications - US Media RedBird@
The National
16-05-2025
- Business
- The National
The age of automation needn't be a cause for pessimism
Mustafa Alrawi is group director of editorial partnerships at International Media Investments and a columnist for The National May 16, 2025
The National
25-02-2025
- Business
- The National
IMI appoints new chief people officer to boost group talent strategy
Business Ahmed Embaby has more than three decades of experience at global companies in the Middle East, South Africa and Turkey Abu Dhabi-based International Media Investments has appointed Ahmed Embaby as its new chief people officer, boosting the group's talent strategies and organisational effectiveness. Mr Embaby brings more than three decades of experience across global companies including Pfizer, PepsiCo and Oracle, in multicultural environments spanning the Middle East, South Africa and Turkey. In those roles, he designed and implemented leadership assessment processes, restructured executive roles and spearheaded human capital integrations during major acquisitions – boosting operational efficiency and elevating employee experiences. At IMI, Mr Embaby will oversee the human capital strategy across its portfolio of media brands, including Sky News Arabia, The National, Al Ain News and CNN Business Arabic. IMI is a privately owned, global media group headquartered in Abu Dhabi, with operations across 19 countries. Through RedBird IMI, its joint venture with RedBird Capital Partners, IMI invests in leading media, sports and entertainment brands globally. 'Ahmed's appointment highlights our commitment to cultivating a high-performing culture by attracting and developing best-in-class talent,' said IMI chief executive Rani Raad. 'He will lead strategic initiatives to enhance talent acquisition, employee engagement and organisational development, ensuring our workforce remains a key driver of our industry leadership.' Mr Embaby holds a bachelor's degree in management information system from USI University Europe – England, and has completed executive leadership programmes at the University of Michigan's Stephen M Ross School of Business and IESE Business School, as well as certifications in leadership and human development. 'I look forward to collaborating with the group's talented team to strengthen capabilities, foster operational excellence and create a work environment that encourages innovation, all in line with the group's vision and ambitious goals for the future,' Mr Embaby said.
Broadcast Pro
22-02-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Industry mourns death of Emirati media executive Abdul Hadi Al Sheikh
Al Sheikh served as senior executive at several Abu Dhabi entities but was best known for the leadership he showed at Abu Dhabi Media. BroadcastPro ME joins the industry in mourning media executive Abdul Hadi Al Sheikh, who died today following a heart attack. According to industry sources, he had been unwell for a long time. A respected figure in the media industry, Al Sheikh previously served as CEO of International Media Investments and, prior to that, held senior positions at Abu Dhabi Media and LIVE HD. In a former interview with BroadcastPro ME , Al Sheikh had spoken about his vision to modernise Abu Dhabi Media and was well on his way to executing that task. 'Reflecting the UAE Vision 2021 and Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, we aim to strengthen national identity across all our digital operations and utilise our platforms to share the region's stories and accomplishments with the world,' he had told BroadcastPro ME . Industry figures shared their experiences with Al Sheikh. Speaking about his work with Al Sheikh, Mohamed Yehya, GM of Space42 Arena and CEO of IP Studios said: 'I had the privilege of working with Abdul Hadi for many years. During the launch of the Majid Kids TV channel, which I was handling, he supported me extensively to meet the launch deadlines at Abu Dhabi Media. He was exceptionally media-oriented, and on a managerial level, he had the remarkable ability to make things happen. May his soul rest in peace. His absence will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on our industry.' Industry veteran and media consultant Sanjay Raina shared his experience with Abdul Hadi: 'After taking over as GM of Fox networks, one of the first pit stops was at the large and beautiful office of Abu Dhabi Media. Abdul Hadi had taken over as the Executive Director of the TV division then. We hit it off from the first meeting. He was gentle, soft spoken and had an amazing sense for numbers. We discussed the path forward for National Geographic Abu Dhabi. I remember him telling me, 'Why only NGAD? Let's create more brands.' And thus, was born National Geographic Abu Dhabi Kids, a world-first at the time. It started as a programming block on Majid TV before evolving into a full-fledged channel. We shared a lot of mutual respect. A few years later, we travelled to watch the French Open at Roland Garros. He brought a lot of charm to the television business. He will be sorely missed.'
