Amr Koura

Graduated as an architect in 1977, Amr Koura decided to pursue a career in media and advertising. In 1983, he started to practice photography and became one of the top portrait photographers in that period. After working with Egypt's advertising legend, Tarek Nour as resident photographer, Koura opened his own advertising agency Image, which was later acquired by TMI Advertising, later to be bought by the global agency JWT. In 1990, Koura sold his stake in the advertising agency and started Image Productions, the first and groundbreaking professional setup to produce high quality TV commercials to international clients and agencies. In 1998, Koura secured the contract to produce 130 episodes of Alam Simsim, the Egyptian version of the world famed Sesame Street (1969) show. He then founded Alkarma, Egypt's leading Edutainment company, which eventually produced ten seasons of the program. His proven expertise in Developmental Communications makes him the first choice of development agencies and donors when they attempt to target and empower Arabs of all ages with social messages using media. Mr. Koura is an advocate of using media to deliver educational and inspiring content to promote social change. In 2010, Koura produced and directed AL Jami'a, (The University), the first ever teen drama for the young Arab audiences. It promoted diversity and acceptance, while dealing with the age-related problems and issues. He also produced the horror drama series, Doors of Fear - Abwab El Khouf (2011), starring the internationally recognized actor, Amr Waked. In January 2011, Koura joined Adline Media Network, the second largest media representation and buying agency in the Middle East. He was appointed CEO to the Egypt operations and was responsible for the representation of high profile media vehicles such as Al Mehwar TV, Dream TV as well as Egypt's premier newspaper, Al Masry Al Yom. He later joined Al Nahar TV network, which is co-owned by the group, as chairman of the board. He still occupies this position. In April 2015, he established Creative Arab Talent, the first creative talent representation and management agency of its kind in the Arab world. It also has a casting arm that is responsible for discovering new creative talent and introduces them to the market. Mr. Koura received several awards during his long career as both a producer and as a director. He was also chosen as "Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2009". He believes that the media market is poised for a revolutionary change to regulate and set codes and protocols that govern the different relationships in the media industry. He is already effecting some change with his new ventures in the Arab media Industry.