iflix, has announced the appointment of telecommunications industry executive John Saad as iflix’s new CEO of MENA.

With more than 15 years of commercial and marketing experience in the mobile telecommunications sector, Saad was responsible, as per the official release, for growing the business and market position of telecom operators in MENA, including Mobily in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Vodafone in Egypt and Qatar.

iflix Co-founder and Group CEO, Mark Britt commented: “John’s commercial and telco expertise will be invaluable as we continue to cement our position as the leading entertainment provider across emerging markets. I’m thrilled to welcome him on board to lead iflix MENA into the next phase of growth.”

Saad added: “iflix has established itself as the preeminent market leader in digital entertainment across this region and I am excited to join the team to help lead the entertainment revolution in the Middle East.”

“Nader was instrumental in building iflix’s footprint throughout the region. As a Co-founder of iflix MENA, he was pivotal in establishing the partnerships and strategies which have propelled our business in the region. On behalf of the team, I would like to congratulate Nader on his new role where he will continue to advise iflix’s executive team and Board, grow and manage the Company’s key partner relationships, and provide crucial business development support,” said Britt.

Since its launch in June 2017, iflix has expanded its footprint across eight markets and established a joint venture with Zain, a mobile and data services operator in the Middle East and Africa, to make iflix’s service available to Zain’s 47 million customers throughout the region.

The company recently took home the much coveted “Best OTT Production of the Year” award from ASBU Selevision Broadcast PRO Middle East Awards for its first original production “Waklinha Walaa”, a 60-episode Egyptian comedy series gathering 60 of the Arab world’s leading stars.

Now available to over one billion consumers across 24 territories throughout Asia, the Middle East and Africa, iflix has a library of Hollywood, Asian and Middle Eastern regional, and local TV shows and movies.