Sami Lahoud is Advisory Board Member and the co-founder and CEO of EMpact, a venture studio dedicated to nurturing talent and accelerating startups that serve critical value chains in frontier markets, with a particular focus on agriculture. 

Prior to establishing EMpact, Sami had a distinguished 10-year career at Mastercard, where he held various senior leadership roles, including Senior Vice President for Global Partnerships and Infrastructure. In these capacities, he was instrumental in modernizing the microfinance industry through digital transformation, significantly contributing to financial inclusion and the development of equitable payment ecosystems.

Sami’s professional journey also includes significant experience in corporate communications. He served as Vice President of Communications for the Middle East and Africa at Mastercard, where he was responsible for driving the corporate communications function across the region. Before joining Mastercard, he held senior positions at Barclays, Boeing, and leading public relations firms Weber Shandwick and Hill & Knowlton.

Throughout his career, Sami has demonstrated a commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable development in emerging markets. 

Sami’s extensive experience across multiple industries and regions positions him as a key figure in driving impactful change through entrepreneurship and innovation in frontier markets.