STARZ Play Arabia appoints John Penney as Chairman of the board

STARZ Play Arabia, the on-demand video streaming service available in 17 countries across the MENA region, has announced that John Penney, Chief Strategy Officer at Starz, has been elected Chairman of the STARZ Play Arabia Board of Directors.

As Chairman, Penney will lead the Board and the management of STARZ Play Arabia, provide advice and counsel to the President, and ensure that the Company’s Directors are sufficiently informed to make appropriate decisions to support the business.

Discussing the election, Penney said: “I’m honoured to take on this role for such a dynamic and active company as STARZ Play Arabia. I look forward to working closely with the dedicated and passionate STARZ Play Arabia team to deliver the most dynamic and customer friendly service in the region.  Additionally, I would like to thank my fellow Directors for this opportunity.”

Maaz Sheikh, President of STARZ Play Arabia, commented: “John’s years of experience and long history of leadership make him an ideal person for this role. I’m excited to work with him to ensure that STARZ Play Arabia makes a positive impact for all stakeholders, including our clients and employees. I’m confident that John will ensure that the Board as a whole is enabled to play a full and constructive part in the development and determination of the company’s strategy and overall objectives.”

Penney will conduct the role alongside his position as Chief Strategy Officer at Starz, where he is responsible for building and evaluating key business strategies and partnerships, and identifying and developing new business opportunities across the STARZ family of companies.

Penney joined Starz in 2010 and was promoted to Chief Strategy Officer in 2013. Penney holds a B.A. in Social Psychology from Wesleyan University and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy & Administration from Columbia University.