RIYADH/ STAMFORD, CONN — WWE announced the appointment of Bandar Al Mashhadi as vice president & general manager, Middle East & North Africa (MENA).

In his new role, Al Mashhadi will lead WWE’s strategic business initiatives and day-to-day operations in the MENA region and work with partners across all of WWE’s lines of business, including television, live events, marketing, sponsorship, advanced media, licensing and merchandising.

He will also manage local operations for the company’s 10-year partnership with the Saudi General Entertainment Authority.

“We are excited to welcome Bandar to our international leadership team and confident that his experience in managing successful partnerships in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East will have a significant impact on WWE’s continued growth,” said James Rosenstock, WWE executive vice president, international. “We look forward to Bandar leading WWE’s efforts in this important region for our company.”

Al Mashhadi has more than 20 years of experience as an executive at blue chip companies based in Saudi Arabia with a proven track record in delivering business growth. He spent the past six years at OSN, most recently as Managing Director, leading implementation of the broadcaster’s corporate strategy in Saudi Arabia.

During this time he also served a one-year deployment as Advisor to the Minister of Media in Saudi Arabia, leading multiple Vision 2030 initiatives including the privatization of the Saudi News Network.

Earlier in his career, Al Mashhadi spent more than a decade at BAE Systems in Saudi Arabia, rising to Director of Portfolio Management and undertaking strategic leadership placements with joint venture partners. — SG