IMI Media Academy Appoints Chantal Saliba, Khalid Al Hosani to Leadership Positions

Why It Matters

The leadership changes position IMI Media Academy to accelerate growth, improve training quality, and expand its talent pipeline across the Middle East media sector.

Key Takeaways

• 800+ training hours delivered in 2025
• 1,000+ professionals trained, 100+ partners
• Chantal Saliba appointed Media & Training Director
• Khalid Al Hosani appointed Operations Director
• 200 students graduated via Abdulla Al Ghurair partnership

Pulse Analysis

The media training market in the Middle East is maturing, driven by digital transformation and the need for skilled communicators. IMI Media Academy has capitalised on this trend, building a network of over 50 certified trainers and delivering a diversified curriculum that includes AI skills and podcasting. Its rapid growth reflects broader industry demand for practical, coach‑driven learning that bridges traditional journalism with emerging content formats.

Saliba’s appointment signals a strategic shift toward curriculum depth and real‑world relevance. With a decade at Sky News Arabia, she blends newsroom rigor with coaching methodologies, promising programmes that not only teach theory but also embed confidence and on‑air performance. Al Hosani’s operational expertise, honed through overseeing IMI’s headquarters transition and complex logistics, will standardise delivery processes, ensuring that the expanding trainer pool can scale without sacrificing quality or client experience.

These leadership moves enhance IMI’s capacity to nurture the next generation of media talent. The partnership with the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, which has already produced 200 subsidised graduates, exemplifies a commitment to accessible, future‑ready training. As organisations across the region seek to amplify their communication capabilities, IMI’s strengthened governance and broadened reach position it as a pivotal hub for media excellence and leadership development.