MBC Group has officially appointed Samar Akrouk as the Managing Director of MBC Studios, marking a significant advancement in her nearly 30-year tenure with the company.
Akrouk, who will also maintain her current role as the Group Director of Production, is set to lead MBC Studios in its ambition to extend the international footprint of its non-English-language content.
Dual Role Commitment
In her continued role as Group Director of Production, Akrouk is responsible for overseeing the production of over 1,500 hours of original content each year for MBC TV channels, Shahid, and various social media platforms. Her production portfolio includes a wide range of formats such as chat shows, social programming, game shows, competitions, and the local adaptations of globally recognized formats like Arab Idol, Arab’s Got Talent, Project Runway, Top Chef, The Voice: Arabia, The Voice Kids, The Voice Seniors, and X Factor Arabia. Furthermore, she played a pivotal role in the production of the Arabic musical film “Sukkar,” which is based on the American novel “Daddy-Long-Legs” by Jean Webster. The film has seen considerable success in the Arab box office.
Vision for the Future
Expressing her enthusiasm about her new role, Akrouk shared her commitment to building on the studio’s existing achievements and her eagerness to contribute to the organization’s future success. She highlighted the significant opportunity presented by the growing international interest in the region’s content, particularly from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and expressed her readiness to meet the challenges ahead.
A Career of Significant Contributions
Akrouk’s career at MBC Group began in 1995, and she has been a key figure in the company’s growth, including its transition from linear TV content production to a dynamic multi-platform content creation model. In 2001, she played a crucial role in setting up MBC Group’s first main office in the Middle East in Beirut, ahead of the company’s relocation from London to Dubai.
Educational and Personal Background
Akrouk, born in Amman and raised in New York, is a Georgetown University School of Foreign Service alumna, holding a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and Law.
About MBC Studios
MBC Studios stands as the premium content production division of MBC Group, which operates an extensive network including more than 13 free-to-air satellite TV channels, three radio stations, and Shahid, the leading Arabic streaming platform globally.
News source: https://www.mbc.net/
