APCO Appoints John Defterios as Chairman for MENA Region

APCO, a global advisory and advocacy firm, has appointed John Defterios as Chairman of its Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Defterios, the award-winning former CNN emerging markets editor and energy correspondent, has also served as a senior advisor to APCO since 2021.

The appointment comes as MENA continues to gain importance as a global centre for finance, trade, energy and artificial intelligence, while companies and institutions increasingly seek strategic guidance on navigating the region’s evolving economic and geopolitical landscape.

Defterios to Support MENA Client Advisory Growth

In his new role, Defterios will focus on strengthening APCO’s client advisory capabilities across MENA and supporting the firm’s growth in the region.

APCO President and Chief Operating Officer Evan Kraus said clients globally are increasingly looking to understand MENA’s economic, political and strategic significance, while organisations within the region are seeking to strengthen their position internationally.

Kraus added that Defterios’ experience and relationships across global markets will support APCO’s ability to advise clients operating in an increasingly complex geo-commercial environment.

More Than Three Decades Across Business and Geopolitics

Defterios brings more than three decades of experience at the intersection of business, government, energy, trade and geopolitics.

Before joining APCO, he held several senior positions at CNN, including emerging markets editor, energy correspondent and anchor. He also spent a decade based at CNN’s Abu Dhabi bureau, developing extensive knowledge of MENA and other high-growth markets.

He first joined APCO in July 2021 as a senior advisor.

Focus on MENA’s Changing Global Role

Defterios said his focus in the new position will be on MENA clients while also supporting APCO’s broader global portfolio.

He highlighted the region’s growing role as a financial, trade, energy and artificial intelligence hub, as well as the impact of the energy transition, emerging investment corridors and geopolitical realignment.

Defterios will work with APCO’s global team to help clients understand these developments and their implications for business and strategy.

Continuing Role with Storybook Studio

Alongside his regional responsibilities, Defterios serves as global lead for APCO’s Storybook Studio, the firm’s in-house content studio.

In this capacity, he draws on his journalism network to support APCO’s international and regional journalists in identifying, creating and distributing live studio coverage from major forums and summits. The studio also develops branded content series and documentaries for clients across television, digital and social media platforms.

Supporting New Business and Client Advisory

Samer El Hachem, president of APCO in the MENA region, said Defterios will join the MENA team with two immediate priorities.

His responsibilities will include supporting new business efforts through his regional network and serving as a senior advisor to APCO’s teams and clients when required.

The role is intended to add further senior-level expertise and regional relationships to APCO’s MENA operations as the firm plans for its next phase of growth.

APCO’s Two-Decade Presence in MENA

APCO has operated in the MENA region for more than two decades, with teams based in Abu Dhabi, Amman, Doha, Dubai, Manama and Riyadh.

The firm advises governments, multinational corporations, sovereign entities and family-owned enterprises across strategic communications, public affairs, crisis management and sustainability. Its sector experience includes energy, finance, technology, healthcare, infrastructure and tourism.

Defterios’ appointment adds to the firm’s regional leadership as APCO continues to develop its advisory offering across MENA and its connections with clients in global markets.