Rani R. Raad to take on expanded role across Turner and CNN

Turner Broadcasting Systems (TBS) today announced that Rani R. Raad will be adding the role of Senior Vice President & Managing Director for Turkey, Middle East and Africa for Turner International to his existing responsibilities at CNN International.

Reporting into Jeff Kupsky, the newly-created role will see Raad include the entertainment channels Cartoon Network, Boomerang, TCM and Cartoon Network Arabic within his remit, alongside CNN International and CNN Arabic.

Raad will continue in his current role of Senior Vice President & Managing Director for CNN International Advertising Sales and Business Development, overseeing CNN’s global commercial initiatives, while also managing and facilitating the growth of Turner’s business in Turkey and the MEA region.

Raad’s expanded duties will see him spending extensive time working with his teams in the region, with a brief to develop a strong, cohesive regional business strategy with local implementation and execution. He will also manage Turner’s overall advertising sales business across its entertainment channels, with direct responsibility for EMEA, as well as managing staff and ongoing growth, development and operations of Turner’s businesses throughout Turkey and the MEA region.

“Our aim is to integrate our business operations more closely across Turkey and MEA, and this role will form a key part of that plan. In his work for CNN, Rani has proven time and again his outstanding leadership skills. He has been instrumental in maximising new and integrated growth opportunities that have encompassed CNN’s editorial, digital and business development teams,” commented Jeff Kupsky, President TBS Europe.

“Under Rani’s leadership, CNN’s business has enjoyed phenomenal growth year-on-year. He has been the architect of CNN’s expansion in the Middle East, with the network broadcasting daily from Abu Dhabi for the last two years. His many impressive achievements will underpin his extended role at Turner, and the new role will also present exciting opportunities for CNN.” continued Kupsky.

“I am very excited to be taking on this expanded role, both from the broader perspective of TBS and my current role with CNN. This new brief will help us create new business opportunities across the TBS and CNN portfolio, enabling us to maximise key brands and franchises and ensure strong partnerships, growth and revenue potential,” commented Rani R. Raad.

About Turner Broadcasting System
Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) Europe currently broadcasts 25 channels in 22 languages across approximately 100 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Turner Broadcasting brands currently operating in the region include Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Cartoonito, CN Too, TNT, Boing, Adult Swim, TCM (Turner Classic Movies) and CNN International. In EMEA the company is at the forefront of innovation and development, with its brands available to audiences across the region via the web, VOD, DVD, gaming, mobile, merchandising, publishing and emerging platforms. Turner Broadcasting is a Time Warner company.

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