Fares Akkad is the new Regional Director of the Middle East and North Africa [MENA] region at Meta. In this role, Fares designs and leads the commercial growth of the company and its portfolio of apps, services and businesses across MENA. Fares was most recently the Director of Media Partnerships for News in Growth Markets at Meta, supporting journalists and publishers in embedding a sustainable business model in the digital age.

Prior to Meta, Fares led digital business development and distribution for MBC Group, joining the group after over a decade in management consulting in both the region and the United States [US]. Entrepreneurship remains a passion for Fares, having started, funded and exited several startups in MENA and the US – he remains an active advisor and investor in the startup scene.