Samia Cherif Bio

Samia Cherif

Head of Government Affairs, Emerging Markets
Illumina

Samia leads Government Affairs activities in Emerging Markets (focus on MEA, Pakistan & Turkey) at Illumina, global leader in developing genomic technologies (Next Generation Sequencing) and genetic analysis. Samia has over 20 years combined experience working in multicultural environments across industries. Previously, Samia was General Manager-Business Development at VFS Global where she implemented successful governments affairs strategies and led Business Development activities for both verticals: Central Government Ministries and Diplomatic Missions in the MENA region.

Samia has a successful track record of leading complex government projects while resolving emerging policy issues with policymakers and embassies. Prior to that, Samia had several management positions in the global travel and tourism industry and handled strategic alliances with tourism ministries.

Samia holds a DEUG LLCE (Degree in Languages, Literatures and Civilizations) in English from Sorbonne Nouvelle- Paris III university in Paris, France. She also completed courses in Public Policy at University of Virginia and Leadership at Harvard.