The Standard Group PLC has appointed Dr Naim Bilal Yaseen as its substantive Group Chief Executive Officer, ending a period of leadership changes at the media organisation.
In a notice issued on Thursday, October 29, the company announced that Bilal would officially assume the position on Sunday, November 1, 2026, following a competitive recruitment process.
His appointment formalises the leadership position previously held in an acting capacity.
“The board is confident that Dr Yaseen will strengthen the group’s digital and commercial performance and uphold the editorial independence on which public trust in its journalism depends,” the company stated.
Bilal’s appointment comes at a time when traditional media organisations are navigating increased competition from digital platforms, shifting audience preferences and growing pressure to develop alternative revenue streams.
What is Naim Bilal’s professional background?
The incoming CEO brings extensive experience spanning journalism, public service, corporate leadership and legal practice.
He previously served as Managing Director of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), where he was responsible for overseeing the state-owned broadcaster.
Bilal also worked as the Director of Public Affairs and Communication at the Judiciary, gaining experience in institutional communication, public accountability and stakeholder engagement.
His academic qualifications include a PhD in Communication Studies, a Master of Arts in Communications Policy, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Laws degree. He is also an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
His experience in broadcasting, strategic communication, business management and law places him at the centre of several areas the Standard Group will need to navigate under its new leadership.
Who are some of Standard Group’s previous CEOs?
Bilal joins a list of executives who have previously led the media company, including Tom Mshindi, Orlando Lyomu, Marion Gathoga-Mwangi and Chaacha Mwita.
Mshindi was appointed Group CEO in August 2003. At the time, he had more than 18 years of experience in the local media industry and had previously worked with the United Nations in New York and Nigeria. Lyomu took over the position in 2018 after joining the company in 2013 as Group Finance Director before rising to Group Chief Operating Officer.
In May 2024, the board appointed Marion Gathoga-Mwangi as Group CEO, replacing Joe Munene, who had been serving in an acting capacity. She brought more than 26 years of experience in commercial operations and general management, having held senior positions at BOC Kenya, Cadbury Kenya, Unga Limited and Bayer East Africa.
Gathoga-Mwangi resigned in June 2025 to pursue other career interests. Chaacha Mwita subsequently took over as acting Group CEO from July 1, 2025, after previously serving as the company’s Editorial Director. He brought more than 20 years of experience in journalism, communications and media development.
The Standard Group operates several media brands, including The Standard newspaper, KTN, Radio Maisha, Spice FM and The Nairobian.
