Turner reshapes CNN International’s commercial division

Turner has rejigged the commercial and ad-sales operation at news operation CNN International. Amid wide-ranging job cuts across Turner, CNNI’s commercial activities will be coordinated through a single division, run by Rani Raad.

Raad will be executive vice-president and chief commercial officer at CNNI. In that role he will be responsible for overall commercial strategy including advertising sales, content sales, business development, international research and marketing.

Raad currently manages Turner Broadcasting operations in Turkey, the Middle East and Africa and will retain these responsibilities alongside the new role.

Gerhard Zeiler, president Turner Broadcasting System International announced the change. He 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 said: “Aligning the commercial streams for the world’s leading international news brand will help us deliver best-in-class solutions for our partners across all the diverse platforms where CNN has become a valued and ubiquitous presence.”