Khaled Gad
Chief Executive Officer | Akuna Group & IE7 Ltd
Khaled Gad is the Chief Executive Officer of Akuna Group and IE7 Ltd, the international holding group overseeing the global portfolio of ventures founded by Idris Elba, spanning media and entertainment, digital infrastructure, cultural development, impact investment, and strategic advisory across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Since joining the group in 2020, Khaled has led the strategic expansion and operational development of the organization, transforming it into a multidisciplinary platform focused on unlocking the economic potential of the creative industries, strengthening Africa’s global cultural presence, and building sustainable commercial partnerships across emerging markets.
In his role as CEO, Khaled oversees the group’s growing portfolio of initiatives, including Akuna Media, Akuna Pods, Akuna Digital Infrastructure, and Akuna strategic partnerships across Africa, while also guiding the broader IE7 network of companies working at the intersection of storytelling, technology, policy, and investment. His leadership has helped position the organization as a bridge between global capital, cultural influence, and African creative enterprise.
Khaled’s work increasingly focuses on building the institutional architecture required for Africa’s creative economy to scale, including digital platforms for creators, physical creative hubs across key African cities, and partnerships with governments, development institutions, and the private sector to strengthen policy frameworks for the sector.
Before joining IE7, Khaled worked with the United States Government, supporting programs designed to strengthen strategic communications capacity in the public sector. His experience in international policy and public diplomacy continues to shape his approach to building partnerships between governments, global institutions, and creative industries.
Alongside his executive leadership, Khaled is an accomplished producer with a strong track record in the global media industry. His work spans BAFTA-winning animation, Golden Arrow–winning branded content, and a Grierson-nominated documentary, reflecting a career dedicated to powerful storytelling and the role of media in shaping cultural narratives.
Under his leadership, the Akuna Group has become increasingly active in developing creative infrastructure across Africa, working with partners in countries including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Kenya, and Senegal to support the growth of local creative industries, youth talent development, and digital innovation.
Khaled holds a background in political economy, and his work sits at the intersection of policy, culture, and economic development. He is widely recognized for his ability to bring together governments, investors, and creative leaders to build sustainable initiatives that advance cultural exchange and economic opportunity.
At the UK–Nigeria State Visit, Khaled represents Akuna Group’s commitment to strengthening UK–Africa partnerships in the creative and digital sectors, supporting new platforms for collaboration between African talent, global audiences, and international investors.