MEA broadcaster MBC Group has appointed Samar Akrouk as the Managing Director of MBC Studios. Akrouk, with nearly three decades of experience at MBC, will continue in her role as Group Director of Production. In her new capacity, she will spearhead MBC Studios’ efforts to extend the reach of its content globally.
Currently overseeing all non-scripted productions for MBC TV channels, streaming service Shahid, and social media, Akrouk supervises the creation of over 1,500 hours of original content annually. This includes chat shows, social programming, game shows, competitions, comedy, and local adaptations of international franchises such as Arab Idol, Arab’s Got Talent, and The Voice: Arabia.
Starting her career with ARA Group International, MBC Group‘s holding company, at its Washington DC office, Akrouk later transitioned to the group’s US branch of ANA Radio and Television as Assistant Director in 1996. In 2001, she moved to Beirut, where she played a pivotal role in establishing the Group’s first main office in the Middle East, ahead of MBC’s relocation from London to Dubai.
‘I am absolutely delighted and thrilled to take on the responsibilities of my new role as Managing Director of MBC Studios, building upon the exceptional achievements of the team so far. This role marks a significant milestone in my career, one which I have devoted to the MBC Group family since 1995’, said Akrouk.
‘Our forthcoming endeavors in drama and film production arrive at an opportune moment. There’s no doubt that our region, especially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is in the spotlight, drawing considerable interest from leading international production studios focused on creating world-class content. I cannot wait to delve deeper, roll up my sleeves, and further contribute to this incredible organization that I have called home for the past 27 years’, added.
