The Standard Group PLC has appointed Naim Bilal Yaseen as its substantive Group Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Chaacha Mwita, who resigned.
In a notice dated Thursday, October 29, the media company announced that Yaseen’s appointment would take effect on November 1, 2026, following the conclusion of a competitive recruitment process.
“Following the conclusion of a competitive recruitment process, the Board of Directors of The Standard Group PLC (TSG) has appointed Dr Naim Bilal Yaseen, PhD, to the position, effective 1st November 2026.
This appointment supersedes the earlier appointment in an acting capacity, with Dr Yaseen assuming substantive office with effect from 1 November 2026,” read part of the statement.
The board expressed confidence in his ability to strengthen the company’s digital and commercial performance.
Further, the Standard Group board also said it expects him to uphold the editorial independence that underpins public trust in the group’s journalism while steering its commercial and digital growth.
The announcement comes days after the group appointed veteran media executive John Bundotich as acting CEO.
Career Background of the Standard Group’s new CEO, Naim Bilal Yaseen
Yaseen has an extensive career spanning media, public communications, law and corporate leadership. He serves as the Managing Partner at NB Yaseen Advocates, a position he has held since May 2025.
From March 2019 to April 2022, he served as Managing Director of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), and previously worked as Director of Public Affairs and Communication at the Judiciary from June 2012 to 2017.
He also served as Deputy Director and Head of Public Communications at the Government of Kenya between November 2009 and June 2012.
Earlier in his career, Yaseen worked as Director of House Live Broadcasting at the State University of New York (SUNY) Kenya, where he oversaw the implementation of live broadcasting in the National Assembly.
He also spent more than seven years at Nation Media Group, serving as News Manager at NTV and Managing Editor between September 1999 and February 2007.
Also Read: Standard Group CEO Resigns After Only Seven Months
Educational Background
Yaseen holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Communication Studies from Moi University, which he pursued between 2010 and 2015.
He also earned a Master of Arts in Communications Policy from City St George’s, University of London, between 2007 and 2008, and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of South Africa between 2016 and 2019.
His other qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts in Police Science from the University of South Africa, completed between 2004 and 2008, and a Dual Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic Management and International Trade Negotiation from Universitat de Lleida in Spain, which he pursued between 2006 and 2007.
He also completed the Strategic Leadership Development Programme at the Kenya School of Government in 2010.
Also Read: Standard Group Appoints Veteran Journalist as Acting CEO
What Awaits Naim Bilal Yaseen
He joins the company amid ongoing financial challenges. Standard Group PLC reported a net loss of Ksh133 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, down from Ksh200 million recorded during the same period in 2024.
The media company’s revenue fell 25 per cent to Ksh789 million, driven by weaker advertising sales and fewer government contracts.
However, operating costs fell by 26 per cent to Ksh879 million, while finance costs dropped by 17 per cent to Ksh52 million, helping reduce its pre-tax loss by about a third.
Despite the lower net loss, the company’s total comprehensive loss stood at Ksh133 million, compared with Ksh112 million a year earlier, following the absence of a tax credit.
Standard Group expressed cautious optimism that cost-cutting measures, improved operational efficiency and digital growth could support a sustainable recovery.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates and subscribe to our YouTube Channel for in-depth interviews.
