Samar Akrouk promoted to Managing Director of MBC Studios

Akrouk, who has worked for nearly three decades at Riyadh-based MBC Group, will retain her position as Group Director of Production.

She replaces Christina Wayne who is leaving the MENA content giant after 15 months.

In her new role, Akrouk will lead MBC Studios’ ongoing push to expand the reach of its content to audiences around the world.

Akrouk will also continue her work as Group Director of Production where she leads a team of producers, directors, technicians, and creators, overseeing all of MBC Group’s non-scripted productions for MBC TV channels, streaming platform Shahid, and social media – which comprises over 1,500 hours of original content production annually.

This includes chat shows, social programming, game shows and competitions, comedy, as well as local adaptations of international franchises such as Arab Idol, Arab’s Got Talent, Project Runway, Top Chef, The Voice: Arabia and X Factor Arabia. 

Akrouk said: “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.”