Michael Garin appointed CEO of twofour54 Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI – The board of twofour54 Abu Dhabi on Sunday announced that Michael Garin has been appointed as CEO of the media and entertainment hub.

Garin, who has more than 50 years’ experience as a media executive, comes from Image Nation Abu Dhabi, the award-winning film and entertainment company. Among his responsibilities as its CEO has been to oversee the firm’s strategy and operations as well as managing and forging key international partnerships. Following the formation of a board of directors for twofour54 in July 2019, and the appointment of Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak as Chairman and the then CEO Maryam Eid AlMheiri as Vice Chair, the CEO position became vacant.

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.

"I have personally enjoyed a long and trusted partnership with Michael, working closely together to develop Image Nation as one of the world’s leading TV and film producers and biggest production company in the Middle East. "Michael joins twofour54 at a pivotal time for the media and entertainment industry in Abu Dhabi, with a new chapter about to start for the media zone at the purpose-built new home on Yas Island. We are delighted that he will bring his extensive experience and expertise to twofour54.

"On behalf of the board, I would also like to thank Maryam for her dedication and leadership as CEO of twofour54. Under her guidance, the media zone has achieved multiple milestones, and is today home to more than 500 media firms." In her role as Vice Chair, she will continue to offer guidance and support as twofour54 continues to grow, develop and attract media companies of all sizes and productions from around the world.

Garin said, "I would like to thank Mohamed, Maryam and the board of twofour54 for giving me the opportunity to undertake this important role in the Capital both for Arab-language and international content creators, and to lead a team of incredible UAE talent.

"Together, we will 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." twofour54 and Image Nation already work closely on numerous projects, including Inheritance, the world’s first Arabic soap opera.

Michael served as CEO of Image Nation from February 2011. Previously, he had also spent four years as a member of the Executive Committee of Abu Dhabi Media Company. His media career began at Time Inc. where he worked for TIME, Fortune and Time-Life Television for over a decade.

From there, Michael helped 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.