Ramez Shehadi

Managing director, Facebook MENA

The MENA region – not surprisingly – is a major focus market for Facebook with the social platform enjoying strong adoption among youth across the various regional markets. Beyond its consumer reach, Facebook has recently been focusing heavily on the SME sector in the region. In September last year, it launched the LoveLocal programme to assist local small and medium businesses (SMBs) in the MENA area. The initiative provides business owners with access to the MENA SMB training centre, a platform with up to 40 free online webinars that companies can use to learn digital technologies, including digital marketing and e-commerce, as well as establish and grow their online presence. Facebook MENA MD Ramez Shehadi oversees Facebook’s commercial growth as well as that of its other businesses in the region, such as Instagram and WhatsApp. Shehadi comes with experience in building and expanding regional businesses as well as cross-industry portfolios; previously, he worked as a senior partner and managing director of Booz Allen Hamilton’s MENA portfolio, lead partner of Booz & Company’s MENA digital business and technology practice, and global co-head of Booz Digital.