APCO makes top-level leadership appointments in MENA business
APCO, a global advisory and advocacy firm, has made three top-level appointments in its MENA business.
Headquartered in the United States, APCO supports clients across three core service lines – advisory, advocacy and communications. Since its founding in 1984, the firm has grown into a leading global player, with more than 30 offices spanning the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Its presence in the Middle East and Africa (MENA) region dates back nearly two decades. Over that time, the division has become a trusted adviser to governments, corporations and institutions in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Amman, Doha and Manama. Its team has expanded to more than 200 professionals (notably spanning backgrounds from 26 different countries).
The man that has led the firm’s MENA expansion for all this time, regional president Mamoon Sbeih, has now decided to hand over the reins. Samer El Hachem has been appointed president of MENA, supported by Faten AlMasri as deputy president. Sbeih will meanwhile transition to the role of chairman for MENA and take on a global position as chief international business development officer.
Margery Kraus, Founder and Executive Chairman of APCO, said that the leadership transition positions the MENA business for its next chapter of growth.
“As global power dynamics shift and traditional leaders adopt more nationalist postures, MENA has emerged as a critical connector internationally. This leadership team ensures we will continue delivering the regional excellence our clients expect while expanding our ability to serve their growing global connectivity needs.”
Reflections from the leadership trio
Sbeih noted: “The transformation we are witnessing across MENA represents one of the most significant geopolitical and economic shifts of our time. APCO has been privileged to support this evolution over nearly two decades, building deep relationships and expertise across the region. As our clients’ needs have evolved from regional market access to global corridor navigation, APCO must evolve as well to fully support clients’ needs.”
In his new global role as chief international business development officer and MENA chairman, Sbeih will leverage APCO’s global footprint serving clients in more than 80 markets to develop innovative solutions that help clients navigate MENA’s expanding global corridors. His focus will be on cross-border advisory services, international partnerships and strategic initiatives that capitalize on the region’s position as a bridge between East and West.
El Hachem, who previously served as chief operating officer and deputy president for MENA, will spearhead the firm’s direction and ambitions for further expansion. Under his leadership, the regional team will continue to deepen capabilities in key growth areas, including consulting, digital transformation services and government/public sector advisory.
“The opportunity before us is unprecedented,” he said. “As MENA countries project power through cultural initiatives, infrastructure investments and diplomatic engagement, our clients need advisory partners who understand both the regional nuances and global implications. Our regional team is uniquely positioned to deliver this expertise.”
New deputy president AlMasri added: “The Middle East is undergoing a profound transformation – one that is redefining how organizations connect, invest and grow across borders. As clients increasingly seek innovative approaches to navigate complex markets, they need partners who can anticipate change and deliver impact at scale.”
“At APCO, our deep local roots, multidisciplinary expertise and commitment to innovation make us the perfect partners to help clients seize the extraordinary opportunities emerging across the region.”
In 2025, APCO’s consulting business was named among the region’s leading consultancies by Consultancy.org, while its communications arm was named among the top 10 agencies in the Middle East by PRovoke Media.
