SAT-7 is entering a new season in the coming months, with a transition in leadership and two key departures from its international office.
The first of these changes is that Rita Elmounayer, SAT-7 Deputy CEO and Chief Channels Officer, has been appointed as CEO Designate by the SAT-7 International Council, replacing Dr Terence Ascott as CEO.
The transition of responsibility is likely to take place in 2019. Dr Ascott explained what will happen in the lead up to the change, saying, “Rita will continue to operate in her current role as the Chief Channels Officer, and myself as the CEO. In this regard, she continues with her focus on supporting the Channels with their delivery of our strategic goals.”
DEDICATED TO THE MINISTRY
Rita has been with SAT-7 since the very beginning. Born in Lebanon, she was the first presenter to brave being on-screen in 1996, when SAT-7 broadcast just a two-hour weekly Arabic programme.
Now, 22 years on, Rita’s passion and dedication for SAT-7’s ministry is stronger than ever.
“SAT-7 is trying to make a difference in this turmoil, society, and culture that we’re living in,” Rita said. “God is always at work – we never know where and when the seed will grow. Our responsibility is to sow it.”
DR TERENCE ASCOTT’S FUTURE ROLE
Having invested over 40 years in the Middle East and building SAT-7 from the ground up, many are asking what Dr Ascott’s plans are for the future. He commented:
“When most people retire, they pursue what they enjoy – this is what I enjoy doing! After the transition takes place, I will take on a new role, as “Founder/President”. This will initially include continuing to be available to Rita as the new CEO and other members of the Middle East Leadership Team – for advice or help, as requested. It will also involve me continuing to promote the organisation to our supporters and potential supporters worldwide, spending more time writing and in supporting our governance structures.”
The International Council’s Executive Board will meet in July 2018 to agree Dr Ascott’s future role with the ministry.
FURTHER CHANGES
SAT-7 will also be saying farewell to two key international leaders this year: Chief Operations Officer (COO) Andrew Hart and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Irén Frändå, both of whom are stepping down from their SAT-7 roles in June and October respectively.
Andrew Hart is to become Chief Executive Officer of PAK7 – a new Christian Television ministry for Pakistan modelled on SAT-7. Irén Frändå has begun exploring new opportunities where she can continue to transform and develop ministries who need and can benefit from her extensive experience and expertise.
DEDICATION AND THANKS
Founder and CEO Dr Terence Ascott commended their service, saying, “Andrew and Irén have both contributed tirelessly to SAT-7 for many years. They will be missed but we wish them every success as they embark on their new ventures.”
“Their vacant positions will need to be filled with competent people to ensure that we are building a leadership team best placed to support our mission and vision for the coming years,” he added. “So, lots of change – but change full of promise for an exciting new season of organisational and ministry growth!”
HR Director Olga Messios also added her thanks, saying, “We are truly grateful to Andrew and Irén for their example of leadership. They leave behind them strong talented teams which they have greatly invested in, who are well-equipped to support the transition to new leadership.”
“We are excited by the interest and applications we have received thus far,” she added. “It is very encouraging to see how many qualified individuals have a desire to be a part of our ministry.”
Please pray for Rita Elmounayer, Dr Ascott, Andrew Hart, Irén Frändå and SAT-7’s leadership in the coming year of transition. Please pray that SAT-7 remains faithful to God’s leading and that He would be glorified through its ministry.
PRAY
- Thank God for Dr Ascott and his vision to start a Christian television channel in the Middle East over 22 years ago. Pray that God would be with him as he enters this new season.
- Pray for Rita in her new role, that she would feel God’s presence and guidance. Pray for Andrew and Irén as they move on, and pray for the right people to fill their roles.
- Pray, as Dr Ascott said, for an exciting season of growth for SAT-7 amidst changing times.
- “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Thank God that He stays the same through every season of our lives.