Middle East Yahoo! chief joins social TV start-up

Ahmed Nassef has left his role as Yahoo!’s VP and managing director for Middle East and Africa to found Telfez, an LA-based start-up focused on social TV services in emerging markets.

Nassef has joined forces with Tamer Rashad, former head of Merrill Lynch Middle East & Africa to launch the new business, which will offer affordable social TV solutions to broadcasters, advertisers and media companies, primarily in the Middle East and Africa.

“Today the Middle East and Africa region represents an inflection point for television viewership, skyrocketing growth in the penetration of smartphones and connected devices, and heavy social engagement,” said Nassef. “When you combine all of this with the continued growth in both TV and digital advertising budgets, the opportunity is very exciting.”

He added: “Broadcasters and advertisers need a way to connect those experiences for their viewers and consumers, and that’s what Telfez will be all about.”