MBC Studios has officially confirmed that Samar Akrouk will succeed the departing Christina Wayne as Managing Director.

Deadline recently revealed Wayne was leaving her Managing Director post at the Middle Eastern content giant after 15 months, as she was unable to move to Saudi Arabia full time.

Today, Riyadh-based MBC Group confirmed veteran staffer Akrouk as Managing Director. She will also retain her role as Director of Production for the wider MBC group.

Akrouk has spent nearly three decades at MBC, most recently overseeing production on all non-scripted productions for MBC TV channels, streamer Shahid and social media. This includes local adaptations of Idol, Project Runway, Top Chef, The Voice and X Factor. She also headed the team that produced Arab musical film Sukkar, which was a box office hit.

In her new role, she will focus on ensuring the firm’s non-English-language television content reaches for markets beyond Saudi and the Middle Eastern region. MBC Studios has pushed hard into original production in recent years, with big-budget Rupert Wyatt movie Desert Warrior with Anthony Mackie and high-profile regional project HWJN notable on its slate. It is primarily focused on Arabic language TV shows and films, with English-language titles sprinkled in.

“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.

“Our forthcoming endeavours 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 organisation that I have called home for past 27 years.”