The appointment was announced in a public notice dated October 29, 2026, with Dr Yaseen expected to assume office on November 1, following the conclusion of a competitive recruitment process.
The company said the appointment had been approved by its Board of Directors and would take effect on the stated date.
The move places an experienced media and communications professional at the helm of a group seeking to strengthen its digital operations, commercial performance and position in Kenya's competitive media industry.
From newsroom journalism to media leadership
Dr Yaseen's career spans journalism, government communication, broadcasting and legal practice.
He began his professional journey in 1989 as a reporter with the Kenya News Agency before joining the Nation Media Group, where he worked in both print and broadcast journalism.
At Nation Media Group, he rose through the editorial ranks, serving as a reporter, editor and news manager. He was also part of the team involved in establishing NTV and the former Nation FM.
In 2009, he took up a role in parliamentary broadcasting through the State University of New York (SUNY) Kenya. He served as Director of House Live Broadcasting, overseeing work towards the live transmission of proceedings in the National Assembly.
His experience in public communication expanded in November 2009 when he joined the Government of Kenya as Deputy Director and Head of Public Communications.
In June 2012, he moved to the Judiciary, where he served as Director of Public Affairs and Communication until 2017. His responsibilities included communicating the institution's work and strengthening its engagement with the public and the media.
He later held a senior information role in the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology before returning to broadcasting leadership.
His tenure at KBC
In March 2019, Dr Yaseen was appointed Managing Director of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation.
His appointment placed him in charge of the state-owned broadcaster, which operates television and radio services across the country.
He served in the position until April 2022, bringing experience from both private and public media organisations.
More recently, he moved into legal practice. Since May 2025, he has served as Managing Partner at NB Yaseen Advocates, according to published professional profiles.
His legal background adds another dimension to his experience, particularly as media organisations navigate regulatory requirements, governance and changing commercial realities.
Changes at the top of Standard Group
His appointment comes after a series of leadership changes at the Standard Group.
Chaacha Mwita took over as acting Group CEO on July 1, 2025, following the departure of Marion Gathoga-Mwangi.
The board subsequently confirmed Mwita as substantive chief executive from April 1, 2026.
However, on October 16, the company announced that Mwita would leave his position as Group CEO and Executive Director effective November 1, 2026.
The group later announced that John Bundotich, its Acting Editor-in-Chief, would assume the role of acting CEO from November 1.
Dr Yaseen's appointment has now superseded that arrangement, placing him in the substantive position instead.
The company has not disclosed the financial terms or duration of his appointment in the announcement.
What his appointment means for the media group
Dr Yaseen takes charge of a media organisation operating across television, radio, print and digital platforms.
Its brands include The Standard, KTN, Radio Maisha, The Nairobian, Spice FM and Standard Digital.
The company faces an increasingly competitive media environment, with audiences consuming more news through digital platforms and social media.
For traditional media organisations, this has increased the pressure to retain audiences, attract advertising revenue and develop alternative sources of income.
The Standard Group board has identified digital and commercial performance as key priorities under the incoming chief executive.
It has also placed emphasis on editorial independence, saying public confidence in the company's journalism must remain central to its operations.
The appointment was announced under the Code of Corporate Governance Practices for Issuers of Securities to the Public, 2015, and the Capital Markets (Securities) (Public Offers, Listing and Disclosures) Regulations, 2023.
Dr Yaseen is expected to officially take up the position on November 1, 2026.
The coming months will provide an early indication of how his experience in journalism, public communication, broadcasting and law will shape the group's next phase.
