Ashish
Kulkarni
Chairman
AVGC-XR Forum – FICCI
India
Ashish S K is a pioneering figure in India’s AVGC-XR industry, instrumental in shaping its global footprint through original IP creation, policy development, and skill-building initiatives. He has led major animation projects, including Little Krishna and Shaktimaan, and played a key role in launching national campaigns like Skill India and Jan Dhan Yojana. As founder of Punnaryug and Screenyug, he’s developing the Green Butterfly Art Village to promote holistic creative education. His contributions span policy-making, education, and social impact, earning him numerous national and international accolades. Through his relentless efforts, Ashish S K has elevated creative arts to mainstream recognition in India.
Dan
Hu
Founder and Vice President
Tencent Cloud International, MENA
Cloud & AI Pioneer in MEA – Over 18 years of experience in cloud computing and AI, driving digital transformation and innovation across the MEA region.
Founder & VP of Tencent Cloud MEA (2022 - Present) – Established Tencent Cloud in MEA, introducing the SuperApp as a Service concept, successfully implemented in platforms like TAMM (Abu Dhabi’s National eGov SuperApp).
Heba
Korayem
Founder
CoProduction Salon
Heba Korayem is the founder of the MENA CoProduction Salon and a media partnerships specialist for the Arabic-speaking MENA region. A McGill graduate in Finance, she has secured over 150 TV content deals with major state and commercial broadcasters. She co-founded MENA's first online content marketplace in 2017 and has been a key figure in tracking Arabic content trends. Heba launched the first Arabic Pavilion at MIPCOM in 2018 and has since facilitated over $15M in partnerships. By 2024, she represented 30 leading MENA media entities globally and continues to advise major government and industry events.
Jonathon
Bradbury
Director of Safety Services
MiRisk Media
Jonathon Bradbury is a highly experienced safety professional specializing in media, film, and television productions across the UK, EMEA, India, and APAC. As Director of Safety Services at MiRisk Media, he brings a unique blend of operational expertise and strategic leadership, offering solutions that enhance safety in high-profile productions, live events, and studios.
Jonathon’s deep understanding of production safety, combined with his leadership experience, makes him a trusted advisor in the industry. His ability to navigate the complexities of live events, news coverage, and studio operations ensures world-class safety standards across all projects.
Laura
Buckwell
Independent Broadcast Journalist and Event MC
UAE
Dubai-based, British national Laura Buckwell is an international, industry event EMCEE, moderator and former TV news anchor. Throughout her time, Laura has interviewed and introduced many high profile CEO’s, personalities, entrepreneurs and government bodies.
Awards nights are also a forte, from the BBC Good Food Awards for 7 years running to the Emirates Woman Awards, Laura continues to be booked for prestigious gala dinners, recognizing different segments of society and industry.
Manoj
Abraham Mathew
Director - Studios & Events
Dubai Studios, Dubai Media
UAE
Manoj Abraham Mathew is the Director of Studios at Dubai Studios, leading content investments and strategic partnerships for Dubai Media. With over 25 years of experience across OTT, DTH, and cable, he specializes in content creation, distribution, marketing, and revenue strategies. Formerly EVP at Zee Network, he launched key Arabic channels and oversaw major territories including the Americas and MENAPT. Manoj has served on multiple industry boards and was named “Broadcast Executive of the Year” in 2021. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, he blends creativity, tech, and strategy to drive impactful media ventures.
Patch
Khan
Executive Director
Whatever Live
UAE
A seasoned professional in television and broadcasting with a strong background in technology and operations.
Led the first virtual OB (Outside Broadcast) solution for the Paris 2024 Olympics, showcasing innovation in broadcasting.
Contributed to numerous high-impact media projects worldwide, driving technological advancements and operational excellence.
Vijaya
Cherian
Managing Partner and Editorial Director
CPI Pro Media
Vijaya Cherian is Managing Partner and Editorial Director at CPI Pro Media, publisher of BroadcastPro Middle East, SatellitePro Middle East and its related brands. Based in Dubai, she has covered the MENA broadcast and satellite markets from a technical and commercial point of view for the last twenty years. She also produces well-attended conferences in the region for these sectors.
Karim
Sarkis
Partner TMT Practice
Entertainment and Media Sector&Strategy
UAE
Karim Sarkis - Partner TMT Practice - Entertainment and Media Sector&Strategy,UAE
Hamid
Ouddane
CEO/ Founder
Babeleye
Italy
Hamid Ouddane - CEO/ Founder,Babeleye,Italy
Riz
Khan
Senior Presenter & Show Host
Al Arabiya English
UAE
Riz Khan - Senior Presenter & Show Host,Al Arabiya English,UAE