Rani Raad appointed CNN International's commercial head

Turner executive Rani Raad will become executive vice president and chief commercial officer, CNN International.

Raad will be responsible for the commercial strategy and vision of CNN International and will oversee its advertising sales, content sales, business development, international research and marketing activities. Additionally, Raad will keep his current responsibilities, managing Turner Broadcasting's operations in Turkey, the Middle East and Africa.

This appointment follows a decision to directly align all of CNN's international commercial activity into one organisation, against the bacdrop of CNN's leadership in key independent viewership surveys.

Gerhard Zeiler, president Turner Broadcasting System International, said, ''We are simplifying the organisation and establishing clear responsibilities. Rani is the logical choice for this ambitious challenge due to his track record leading CNN's global commercial initiatives and his vast international network.''

Raad is currently senior vice president and managing director for CNN International ad sales, and senior vice president Turkey, Middle East and Africa. 

A 15-year veteran of Turner Broadcasting, Raad started his career with the company in New York City and within five years was promoted to vice president for regional advertising sales in the Middle East, Africa and Southern Europe, at CNN International's London headquarters, which remains his base of operations.

Raad was promoted to senior vice president and tasked with a global remit. In 2011, he also took on management of Turner's General Entertainment portfolio across the Middle East, Africa and Turkey. In 2011, the World Economic Forum recognized Raad as a young global leader, for his professional and personal contributions to his industry.