NAIROBI, Kenya – The Standard Group PLC has appointed Dr Naim Bilal Yaseen as its substantive Group Chief Executive Officer, overturning an earlier decision to have John Bundotich take over in an acting capacity from November 1, 2026.
In a notice dated October 29, the media company said its board had concluded a competitive recruitment process and selected Yaseen to lead the group, with his appointment taking effect on November 1.
The decision supersedes the earlier announcement naming Bundotich, the company’s Acting Editor-in-Chief, as acting CEO from the same date.
This means Bundotich’s planned acting tenure will not begin, as Yaseen will assume substantive leadership on the date the previous arrangement was scheduled to take effect.
The appointment also brings an abrupt end to the leadership transition triggered by the departure of outgoing CEO Chaacha Mwita, who is leaving the company on October 31.
Who is the new Standard Group CEO?
Yaseen brings more than three decades of experience in media, public institutions and corporate governance, according to the company’s announcement.
He previously served as Managing Director of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) and as Director of Public Affairs and Communication at the Judiciary.
His career also includes senior roles in the private media sector, including work at Nation Media Group, where he served in editorial and management positions.
Yaseen holds a PhD in Communication Studies, a Master’s degree in Communications Policy, an MBA and a Bachelor of Laws.
He is also an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
In announcing his appointment, the Standard Group board said it expected him to strengthen the company’s digital and commercial performance while safeguarding the editorial independence underpinning public trust in its journalism.
The company said the appointment followed a competitive recruitment process but did not disclose the other candidates or the terms of his engagement.
Bundotich’s acting appointment overtaken
Bundotich’s planned elevation was announced on October 23, with the board saying he would assume the acting CEO position from November 1 following Mwita’s exit.
The announcement was overtaken by the October 29 appointment of Yaseen, meaning Bundotich will remain outside the planned acting CEO role.
Bundotich has more than 25 years of experience in print, broadcast and digital media and currently serves as Acting Editor-in-Chief at the group.
Another leadership change after Mwita’s short tenure
The latest appointment comes after a relatively brief period for Mwita at the top of the media company.
Mwita became acting Group CEO on July 1, 2025, before being confirmed as substantive chief executive effective April 1, 2026.
His substantive tenure therefore lasted approximately seven months, following about nine months in an acting capacity.
His departure, effective November 1, was announced earlier in October, with the board thanking him for his contribution without publicly disclosing the reasons for his exit.
The succession changes come amid wider board and management adjustments at the Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed media group, which operates The Standard newspaper, KTN, Radio Maisha, Spice FM and other media platforms.
Digital transformation and commercial performance
Yaseen takes over at a time when traditional media companies are facing pressure to grow digital audiences, diversify revenue and respond to changing patterns of news consumption.
The Standard Group board has specifically identified digital and commercial performance as priorities for the incoming CEO, alongside maintaining editorial independence.
His experience across broadcasting, public communication, the Judiciary and private media will be central to the leadership transition.
The company made the announcement pursuant to corporate disclosure requirements under the Capital Markets (Public Offers, Listing and Disclosures) Regulations, 2023.
Yaseen will assume office on November 1, marking another change at the helm of one of Kenya’s established media organisations.
