Saudi social media superstar Amy Roko has been appointed Acting Editor in Chief of Arabian Business. In recognition of International Women’s Day, the 30-year-old Saudi influencer will set the brand’s editorial agenda in both English and Arabic throughout the day.
“This is an opportunity for me to really set out the key priorities today that affect women all over the world. Being in control of Arabian Business is the perfect platform for to do that,” she said.
“I’ve been reading Arabian Business for a long time, but like many major news brands, I don’t feel it does enough to promote and champion the many issues that women face. This is an opportunity for me to change that,” she added.
One of Roko’s first acts was to dismiss Arabian Business‘s three most senior staff, as she began sweeping changes in her role as Acting Editor in Chief.
Roko asked Deputy Managing Director Anil Bhoyrul, Managing Editor Matthew Amlot and Arabian Business Arabic Editor Samer Batter, to leave immediately.
“They have been relieved of their duties for today,” said Roko, adding: “I find it incredible that the three most senior people on Arabian Business are all male. We are supposed to be celebrating International Women’s Day and looking at key issues that affect women. How can that be done by three guys? It can’t be the answer.”
Roko said she would be replacing the trio with her own “all female” team for the day.
“They can come back tomorrow, but right now I am in charge, and women are in charge.”
Roko – who has never removed her veil in public and never revealed her real name – first began making videos in 2014. She quit her job in a hospital four years later to work full time in social media, and now has nearly 3 million followers on Instagram and TikTok. She works closely with leading brands such as Levi and Benefit Cosmetics and has become a role model for millions of women around the world.
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