Fares Akkad

Fares Akkad a global media and tech thought leader with a rich experience in new media growth across emerging markets. Akkad currently holds the role of Global Director of Media Partnership for Facebook and Instagram, focusing on the News vertical for Growth Markets covering APAC, LATAM, MEA.

Fares career spans over 20 years leading growth for media and social media giants. Prior to his role at Facebook, Fares Akkad was the head of Distribution and Digital Business Development for MBC Group where he played a key role in expanding the MBC business in areas non-related to advertising. In the early stages of his career, Akkad gained expertise working in Management Consulting with Booz & Co where he led several projects for the firm across Media, Technology and Telecommunication.
As a senior manager in KPMG Advisory services based out of the Los Angeles office, Fares Akkad interacted first hand with Media and Technology acquisition deals and critical expertise.

Fares has always been passionate about entrepreneurship and startups, supporting entrepreneurs and early-stage ventures both in California and Dubai holding an advisory role. Akkad is currently an active advisor to a variety of startups in the region and he currently sits on the board of Cafu, GoUrban, and Geno media amongst others.

Fares Akkad is also a big advocate for social impact ventures in the region, currently leading efforts for Autism awareness and advising several non-for-profit organizations in this field.