Future TV names top media executive to spearhead expansion

Backed by his impressive track record as the CEO of Starcom MediaVest, the leading media specialist in the Middle East, Ayntrazi will take over responsibilities of the General Manger from Dr. Nadim Munla who will lead Sheikh Saad Hariri's team of economic advisors, a role he played in the Nineties with the late Prime Minister Rafic Hariri.

"Tarek brings with him strong strategic skills and an intimate knowledge of the regional markets and Arab consumers. His proven ability to lead top performing teams and his track record of managing complex regional operations while delivering impressive growth makes him the perfect candidate to lead the expansion of Future TV," explained Dr Munla.

"As Future TV prepares for a period of dramatic growth in the region, we are confident that Tarek will contribute significantly towards strengthening our group's position within the Arab media industry. Building on his marketing and communication background, he will also play a key consultancy role within the Sheikh Saad Hariri team of advisors providing advice on communication-related matters," Munla added.

A graduate from the American University of Beirut, Ayntrazi has built a formidable reputation for managing a vast portfolio of high-profile global and regional clients. Prior to joining Future TV, Ayntrazi launched Starcom Mediavest Group (SMG) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and within five years he played an instrumental role in making it become the leading media buying specialist in the MENA. In March 2005, he was relocated as COO of the SMG Group for Central West and East Europe.

This appointment reflects Future TV's commitment to develop programming that is more in tune with the advertisers' needs and with a greater focus on Arab consumers. "We want to be recognized as a Pan-Arab TV station broadcasting out of Lebanon rather than a Lebanese TV with satellite transmission," said Dr. Munla, "and Tarek is the best candidate to deliver this strategy."

Ayntrazi said that the new appointment was a proud moment for him in his career. "Future TV is an established media company whose political and social values are respected by Arabs worldwide," he pointed out. "One of my first priorities will be to tap into the strengths of the team to build and plan our growth strategy. Together, we will continue to make a difference by helping people and organizations benefit from our combined experiences."