IMI Boss Steps Down: Telegraph Sale Update
- Rani Raad, chief executive officer of Abu Dhabi’s international Media Investments (IMI), will leave his position next month.
- Raad, formerly an executive at CNN and Warner Bros Discovery, will step down from IMI, according to sources familiar with the situation.
- during his tenure, Raad spearheaded investments such as the £1.1 billion acquisition of All3Media, a British independent TV producer.
Rani Raad is stepping down as CEO of International Media Investments (IMI) next month, marking the end of his tenure amidst IMIS efforts to acquire the Telegraph newspaper.Raad’s departure, reportedly for personal reasons, follows a period of meaningful strategic growth, including the acquisition of All3Media.IMI’s involvement in the Telegraph deal, and the UK government’s eventual stance, proved pivotal. Despite challenges, IMI will hold a 15% stake. Discover how this leadership change will shape IMI’s future media investments and what News Directory 3 will report next.
rani Raad to Step Down From International media Investments
Updated may 31, 2025
Rani Raad, chief executive officer of Abu Dhabi’s international Media Investments (IMI), will leave his position next month. His departure comes as IMI concludes a two-year effort to gain control of the UK’s Telegraph newspaper.
Raad, formerly an executive at CNN and Warner Bros Discovery, will step down from IMI, according to sources familiar with the situation. IMI’s media investments include Abu Dhabi-based newspaper The National, CNN Business Arabic, and a joint venture with Sky in the region. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan, vice-president of the United Arab Emirates and owner of Manchester City football club, controls the investment vehicle.
during his tenure, Raad spearheaded investments such as the £1.1 billion acquisition of All3Media, a British independent TV producer. He also helped restructure and expand the media group. However,IMI’s attempt to acquire the Telegraph newspaper alongside RedBird Capital Partners proved challenging.
Sources close to Raad say he is leaving for personal reasons. He reportedly wanted to remain until the Telegraph situation was resolved. RedBird recently agreed to take control of the newspaper after the UK government blocked a previous attempt funded primarily by IMI.
Under the new agreement, IMI will hold a 15% stake in the newspaper group, the maximum allowed for foreign state-backed entities by the UK government. Raad will stay with IMI for the next month to support an interim executive committee and will continue to advise the company.
IMI stated that Raad’s decision to step down was for personal reasons and had the full support of IMI. The company added that under his leadership, IMI expanded, repositioned its brands, and established a foundation for long-term growth. IMI also stated that the timing of Raad’s departure is unrelated to the Telegraph Media Group process.
IMI has been an active investment group in the Middle East, acquiring and investing in media, entertainment, and sports assets. It is also the primary backer of RedBird IMI, led by former CNN boss Jeff Zucker. RedBird IMI had previously agreed to acquire the Telegraph in 2023 to settle the debts of the Barclay family, the previous owners.
The UK government blocked the takeover due to concerns from MPs and Telegraph staff about foreign state control of a British newspaper.
In a statement, IMI said:
“Rani made the decision to step down as CEO of IMI for personal reasons, made with the full support of IMI, and follows the successful completion of a transformative chapter for IMI.”
What’s next
As Raad departs, IMI will continue its strategic focus on media investments and expanding its portfolio in the media and entertainment sectors. The interim executive committee will oversee operations during the transition.