A+E Networks recently announced that it has appointed Yusuf Nabee to the newly-created role of general manager, Africa. Nabee will take up his post on 1 June 2016. The announcement was made by Nicolas Eglau, chief operating officer at A+E Networks UK, and general manager Nordics, the Benelux and CEEMEA, to whom Nabee will report.
In his new role, Nabee will be responsible for building on the global media company’s success across the African continent, one of its most important growth markets. His remit will be securing new distribution for A+E Networks’ portfolio of channels and driving commercial opportunities.
Additionally, Nabee will head up A+E Networks’ office in Johannesburg, and will be responsible for building a full local team to drive the performance of A+E Networks’ channel portfolio across the continent.
Nabee currently serves as CEO of ReelAfrican, a content aggregator which specialises in making African content available to audiences around the world. Nabee has previously worked in various roles at SABC, including planning for the launch of new DTT networks, as well as a principal consultant at KPMG.
Announcing the appointment, Nicolas Eglau said, “Yusuf is a great addition to A+E Networks’ senior team. We are confident that his proven track record of launching new channels, commissioning content and increasing audience share in the competitive African TV landscape will enable A+E Networks to gain further scale in this exciting and important market.’
A+E Networks already has a strong presence in Africa, with three premium channel brands – HISTORY®, Crime + Investigation® and Lifetime® – all available on the DStv platform. In 2015 the company opened its first African office, in Johannesburg. In the past two years, A+E has also invested in two hit local commissions, Pawn Stars South Africa and Four Weddings South Africa, both local adaptations of global franchises.
Yusuf Nabee added, “I am very pleased to be joining the A+E Networks’ family. I am particularly excited at the opportunity to build on the base that A+E has already established in Africa, by expanding the company’s presence across the continent and bringing more local flavour to its existing brands and content.’
A+E Networks UK currently broadcasts 19 channels in 90 countries across EMEA.
