Peter Riz, Zahra Zayat and Sonia Lekhal have taken on key roles at the pay-TV network.
Dubai-based pay-TV network OSN has announced three senior appointments as it continues to expand its presence in the Middle East. Zahra Zayat joins as Senior Vice President – Telco and OTT, Sonia Lekhal as Chief Marketing Officer and Peter Riz as Chief Technology Officer.
The recent appointment follows the relaunch of OSN’s new streaming service last month. OSN has secured exclusive rights for both its traditional pay-TV channels and its new digital streaming platform, including partnerships with the studios such as Disney, HBO, Universal, Paramount, Viacom and MGM.
Zahra Zayat has extensive experience in both regional Pay TV and OTT. Under the new role, Zayat leads strategy on the digital and streaming business in addition to business development and partnerships with major telecommunication players in the region.
Previously, Zayat was the Vice President Head of YuppTV in the MENA region, where she played a vital role in launching YuppTV service. Last year, Zayat was awarded Woman Media Executive of the Year based on her success and achievement in the OTT business. Prior to YuppTV, Zayat worked at MOBY Group, where she spearheaded their corporate operations and launched their OTT platform and new channels.
As Chief Marketing Officer, Lekhal is now responsible for OSN’s brand communication and marketing strategy and plays an educational and supporting role in the digital transformation of the overall business. A former Vice President, Corporate Communications at Emirates Airlines, Lekhal restructured the digital marketing strategy, helping to elevate the brand. Prior to this, Lekhal served as Regional Marketing Director at the largest e-commerce site in the MENA region, Souq.com – now an Amazon company.
Riz takes the role of Chief Technology Officer, where he leads both the broadcasting and streaming technology strategy for OSN. Prior to this, Riz was Chief Technology Officer at Intigral in the Middle East. He also spent over 12 years with HBO Europe where he was the Senior Vice President – Technology.
Commenting on the appointments, Patrick Tillieux, CEO of OSN said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Zahra Zayat, Sonia Lekhal and Peter Riz to OSN. They each bring a wealth of experience in leadership roles at some of the most well-known and respected companies in the world. Their trusted expertise, drive and passion will be invaluable as we continue to execute on our strategic priorities and strengthen our position as the leading entertainment network in the region. I look forward to their contributions to OSN.”
