Global media leader Michael Garin has been appointed as CEO of the thriving media and entertainment hub, twofour54 Abu Dhabi.

The position had fallen vacant following the formation of a board of directors in July 2019, and the subsequent appointment of H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak as Chairman and the then CEO H.E. Maryam Eid AlMheiri as Vice-Chair, according to a statement released by twofour54 Abu Dhabi today.

Garin hopes to “continue the mission to grow the media sector in Abu Dhabi by providing world-class infrastructure and 360-degree support that ensures our creative community can bring their ideas to life and attracts the best in the business from around the world.”

He comes on board with more than 50 years of experience as a media executive, having worked in Image Nation Abu Dhabi prior to this role. With extensive experience in the media and entertainment industry, Garin has also spent four years as a member of the Executive Committee of Abu Dhabi Media Company.

Having begun his career at Time Inc, Garin’s diversified career has led him to help co-found what would eventually become Lorimar-Telepictures – a leading independent television company in the U.S. His other previous roles included CEO of Central European Media Enterprises and Global Head to Media & Telecommunications Investment Banking for ING.

Speaking on Garin’s appointment as CEO, H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of twofour54 Abu Dhabi, said, “Michael has been a key contributor to the development of the media industry in Abu Dhabi for more than a decade, playing a key role in its success through his work with Image Nation and Abu Dhabi Media, among other roles.

He also spoke of his long and trusted partnership with Garin, having worked with him to develop Image Nation as one of the world’s leading TV and film producers and biggest production company in the Middle East and added that Garin’s appointment comes at a very crucial time for the media and entertainment industry in Abu Dhabi, especially with the media zone at the purpose-built new home on Yas Island.