Borgerding appointed media chief

Abu Dhabi Media Company, a diversified media and entertainment conglomerate, has appointed Edward Borgerding as its Chief Executive Officer.

Commenting on his appointment, Borgerding said: “Abu Dhabi Media Company, with its strong portfolio of integrated assets, is well-positioned to lead this fast-growing sector through content creation, distribution and strategic partnerships at home and in the international arena.”

In his new role, Borgerding takes responsibility for some of the most valuable brands in the Mena region. These include the leading women’s magazine Zahrat Al Khaleej, Majid, Al Super and Al Ittihad newspaper, together with a suite of TV and radio channels including Abu Dhabi TV and Emarat FM. He will also oversee the launch of Abu Dhabi’s first English language newspaper next month.

The appointment was announced by Mohamed Khalaf Al-Mazrouei, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Media Company. “We believe Borgerding has the right balance of industry know-how, entrepreneurial spirit, management experience and understanding of the region,” says Mazrouei. “The media industry in the Middle East and North Africa region – and particularly in the Gulf – is entering an exciting phase and we believe that with Edward Borgerding’s leadership we can pioneer a new era of media.”

Previously, Borgerding was Executive Vice-President of Walt Disney International in Hong Kong and Senior Vice-President of Walt Disney International Television in Hong Kong and London.

At Disney International, Borgerding oversaw the operating units of the Walt Disney Company in the Asia Pacific region, including India and the Middle East from 1998 to 2000. In 1995, he established the first Disney Channel outside the USA, in Taiwan. Two years later, he opened the Disney Channel in Dubai and in Australia.