Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Ben Murray-Bruce, founder of the Silverbird Group, has announced the appointment of Mr. Roy Murray-Bruce as the new Chairman of the conglomerate, succeeding him after decades at the helm of the organisation. The announcement was made by the elder Murray-Bruce via his official X handle on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
In his post, Ben Murray-Bruce described Roy as bringing "over four decades of leadership experience, vision, and governance expertise." The founder stated, "As former President of Silverbird Group, he played a significant role in the expansion of our organisation across television, radio, cinemas, retail, and property development, while helping pioneer Cineplex culture in Nigeria and West Africa." He expressed confidence that under Roy's leadership, the Silverbird Group will continue its commitment to excellence and innovation across Africa.
The transition marks the end of an era for the company, which was established in 1980. The handover also places a seasoned executive at the top of one of Africa's most diversified conglomerates, with operations spanning media, entertainment, hospitality, and real estate across the continent and in the United Kingdom.
Roy Murray-Bruce has been a key figure in the group for decades. He is listed as a key person in the organisation and had previously served as President of the Silverbird Group. His background includes hands-on leadership in the group's core businesses, including Silverbird Cinemas, which is one of the largest in West Africa with over 50 screens across Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya; Silverbird Communications, which operates Rhythm 93.7 FM and Silverbird Television; as well as Silverbird Productions, organisers of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) pageant.
While the group enjoys a high profile in the entertainment and real estate sectors, it has also navigated significant financial challenges. In 2016, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) took over several Silverbird assets following a Federal High Court order over a debt exceeding N10 billion. That order also barred Ben, Roy, Guy, and other family members from interfering with the receiver's work. In July 2025, AMCON listed the Silverbird Entertainment Centre in Abuja for sale to recover the debt. This context of financial restructuring adds a layer of strategic weight to the leadership transition.
In other recent developments regarding the group, Ben Murray-Bruce disclosed that he started Silverbird with a modest N20,000 loan borrowed from his siblings in 1980 and that he turned down a 2015 vice-presidential offer to focus on his business. He also defected from the PDP to the APC in October 2025.
The group is also the force behind the upcoming Ben Murray-Bruce Studios and Film Academy in Eko Atlantic City, a project supported by a $145 million financing deal with the African Export-Import Bank.
As Roy Murray-Bruce assumes the chairmanship, the Silverbird Group stands at a critical juncture. The company must continue to innovate across its media and entertainment divisions while managing its debt obligations and revitalising its commercial real estate portfolio. The founder's confidence in his successor is a clear signal that the family intends to maintain control and navigate these challenges internally.
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