The Face behind MENA’s Meta Transformation: Ramez Shehadi

Ramez Shehadi is a beacon of innovation and leadership in the rapidly evolving digital landscape of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). As President and General Manager for Meta in the MENA and Pakistan region, Shehadi oversees transformative initiatives across Facebook’s suite of applications, including Instagram and WhatsApp. With a passion for empowering businesses and communities, he has championed initiatives such as the #LoveLocal campaign, supporting small businesses in the region. Her journey reflects her dedication to fostering innovation, driving socio-economic development, and bridging the gap between technology and impact.

Ramez Shehadi is one of the top figures in digital transformation within the MENA region. He is a Lebanese-Canadian tech leader. As Meta’s operations are led by Shehadi, he oversees strategic growth within the company, working to get platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp into the hands of millions of users and businesses. This has transformed the use of these platforms in the MENA region to become key tools for both personal communication and professional connectivity and has shaped how communities connect to the digital economy.

Under his leadership, Meta has launched initiatives aimed at supporting and growing the local ecosystem. The #LoveLocal campaign, introduced in 2020, provided small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with access to training and resources, helping them navigate challenges and thrive in a digital-first economy. This initiative highlights Shehadi’s commitment to nurturing small businesses, which are the backbone of the regional economy. Additionally, the introduction of Facebook Shops in the UAE is another milestone under his guidance. These digital storefronts have dramatically changed the way businesses communicate with customers, and their e-commerce solutions are tailored for the region.

Before joining Meta, Shehadi built a reputation as a leader in spearheading digital and socio-economic transformation. As a senior partner with Booz Allen Hamilton, he led global initiatives in strategy consulting on public and private sector innovation. He has expertise in digital business, technology development, and large-scale consulting, reflecting an understanding of how technology can drive growth and societal progress. His leadership philosophy is a blend of strategic foresight and hands-on execution, ensuring that the initiatives he leads deliver real, measurable impact.

Apart from his professional success, Shehadi’s personal activities complement his multi-dimensional leadership. Shehadi’s participation in activities such as the charity hike across Lebanon for 30 days and 500 kilometers was an example of his commitment to maintaining cultural and environmental heritage. This challenge was an awareness and fundraising hike to preserve Lebanon’s old trails, and it speaks to Shehadi’s commitment to community and cultural connectivity.

Shehadi actively supports and mentors startups through R&R Ventures, which he cofounded to empower the next generations of innovators. Thus, this platform is underpinned by his vision of a future where all innovation is collaboration-driven, to give young entrepreneurs the tools and guidance needed for success in an increasingly competitive global market.

Being Fellow of Aspen Global Leadership Network and serving on several Boards, including BeMA-Beyrouth Museum d’Art and Mobile Marketing Association-Paris, Shehadi focuses and channels strategic vision into actionable impacts for creating an inclusive digital economy. Shehadi believes in leadership beyond business leadership. An advocate for women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and community-building initiatives, he tirelessly works to promote diversity and inclusion within the tech industry.

His influence is reflected in his recognition as one of Forbes’ top 20 regional executives heading international companies in 2020. His achievements have not only elevated Meta’s presence in the region but also inspired countless individuals to embrace the potential of digital transformation. Shehadi’s dedication to building an inclusive, tech-driven economy ensures that Meta’s platforms remain relevant and impactful in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Through leading by integrating cutting-edge technology with meaningful impact, Ramez Shehadi is a testament to what it means to lead with purpose in today’s interconnected world. He has advanced Meta’s mission and mentored future leaders in making their mark on the digital economy of MENA. Shehadi is a transformative leader in the digital age, steering the MENA region toward a future of unparalleled growth and connectivity, through his ability to harmonize technological innovation with community-focused solutions.