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Standard Group PLC has named Dr Naim Bilal Yaseen as its new Standard Group CEO, with effect from today, November 1, 2026. The appointment, announced in a board notice dated October 29, replaces the acting arrangement the media house had set out only a week earlier, and makes Dr Yaseen the substantive Group Chief Executive Officer from his first day.
The board said it picked Dr Yaseen “following the conclusion of a competitive recruitment process”. The notice is signed by the company secretary by order of the board.
New Standard Group CEO replaces the acting plan
On October 23, the NSE-listed company had named John Bundotich as acting CEO from November 1. Mr Bundotich is the group’s Acting Editor-in-Chief. The new notice states: “This appointment supersedes the earlier appointment in acting capacity, with Dr. Yaseen assuming substantive office with effect from 1 November 2026.”
The notice does not say what role Mr Bundotich will hold next, and it leaves the group with a permanent Standard Group CEO from day one rather than an interim one.
Dr Yaseen takes over from Chaacha Mwita, who resigned as CEO and executive director with effect from November 1. Mr Mwita had been acting chief executive from July 1, 2025, and was confirmed in the substantive role from April 1, 2026.
Who is Dr Naim Bilal Yaseen?
According to the board, Dr Yaseen “brings more than three decades of experience in media, public institutions and corporate governance”. His past roles listed in the notice are:
- Managing Director of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC)
- Director of Public Affairs and Communication at the Judiciary
Before becoming Standard Group CEO, he built both media and legal credentials. He holds a PhD in Communication Studies, a Master of Arts in Communications Policy, an MBA and a Bachelor of Laws, and is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
“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 notice says.
Key facts from the Standard Group CEO notice
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Company | The Standard Group PLC (NSE: SGL) |
| New role | Group Chief Executive Officer (substantive) |
| Effective date | November 1, 2026 |
| Notice date | October 29, 2026 |
| Replaces | Acting CEO appointment of John Bundotich (notice of October 23) |
| Outgoing CEO | Chaacha Mwita |
The announcement was made under the Code of Corporate Governance Practices for Issuers of Securities to the Public, 2015, and the Capital Markets (Public Offers, Listings and Disclosures) Regulations, 2023, which require listed firms to disclose material information promptly. It carries the usual note that it was issued with the approval of the Capital Markets Authority, which “assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the statements appearing in this announcement.”
A year of boardroom changes
The appointment caps a busy year for the publisher of The Standard, KTN, Radio Maisha, Spice FM and The Nairobian. In February the board suspended a previously proposed rights issue, citing “prevailing market conditions and strategic financing options”. Independent director Dr Michael Lusiola resigned from the board from August 18, while Edward Mwasi and Dr James McFie left as non-executive directors from August 31.
The new Standard Group CEO also joins a reshaped board. On October 15 the company added three independent non-executive directors: Anthony Ambaka Kegode, Tom Odongo and Elishah Njeru.
The leadership change comes as Kenyan media houses chase online advertising, which PwC expects to drive the local media market to KSh775bn by 2030. As Standard Group CEO, Dr Yaseen has a brief the board has tied directly to the group’s “digital and commercial performance”.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the new Standard Group CEO?
Dr Naim Bilal Yaseen, a former Managing Director of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation and former Director of Public Affairs and Communication at the Judiciary.
When does Naim Bilal Yaseen start as Standard Group CEO?
He takes office on November 1, 2026, in a substantive capacity, according to the board notice dated October 29, 2026.
What happened to John Bundotich’s acting CEO appointment?
The board said Dr Yaseen’s appointment supersedes the earlier acting appointment announced on October 23. The notice does not say what role Mr Bundotich will take next.
Who did Dr Yaseen replace at Standard Group?
He replaces Chaacha Mwita, who resigned as Group CEO and executive director with effect from November 1, 2026.
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