George Kurdahi
| George Kurdahi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born |
George Gabriel Kurdahi 1 May 1950 Faitroun, Lebanon |
| Nationality | Lebanese |
| Occupation | Broadcaster |
Born in Feitroun, Lebanon on May 1, 1950, where he spent his childhood years, George Kurdahi (GK) was educated at the Notre Dame de Louayzeh College (Kesrouwan). He studied Political Science and Law in Lebanon.
Career
George Kurdahi started his career in written media and television. He worked for both Lebanese Television and Lisan Elhal newspaper.[1] In 1979, he joined Radio Monte Carlo in Paris, where he was appointed Editor in Chief.
In 1992 Mr. Kurdahi moved on to run Sharq Radio Station in Paris and remained there for around two years.
In 1994, he was recruited to head MBC FM in London. He managed to turn the ailing station into a multimillion-dollar profitable organization over his six-year stint.[2]
In 2000 Kurdahi moved to Middle East Broadcasting Corporation to become the first, and only, Arab presenter of the world-famous program Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. With him as the anchor, the program achieved the highest ratings in the history of Arab Television, and remained at the top of the ratings throughout its first run of three years. The program gave Kurdahi a very high exposure, and its mass appeal insured that MBC earned their highest returns to date from a single program. The program’s phenomenal success in the Arab World was due to Mr Kurdahi's talent.
In 2004 Mr Kurdahi moved to the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation for one year, before being asked by MBC to return as the presenter of his old program and several other programs. In his move to LBC to present “Iftah Albak” , Mr Kurdahi became one of the prominent TV presenters in the Arab World.[3] Furthermore, advertising spots on his shows reached record proportions, both in popularity as well as ratings.
On his return to MBC, he was offered alternating seasons of both his original program, “Who wants to be a Millionaire”, as well as two other programs, "Altahaddi" and "The Power Of 10". The popularity of G.K. rose to the extent that the “Millionaire” raised the prize from 1 million Riyals, to 2 million Riyals.
GK’s popularity and mass appeal in the Arab world have also made him very attractive to advertisers, and he has selectively participated in various endorsements, campaigns as well as advertisements. His campaigns and ads included Nestle, Mobinil, Quaker Oats, GK perfumes, Hyundai Motor Company, Nokia, and various others. In addition, GK has participated in many advertisements and campaigns of a charitable nature, as well as campaigns for public and social benefit.
Throughout his career, GK used his stardom to support charities in advancing their efforts for the public good. He notably partnered with "Tamkeen" which operates under the umbrella of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai. He provided Tamkeen's visually impaired students with new educational Tools.[4]
Kurdahi was chosen as a UN Goodwill Ambassador.[5] He also holds several honorary position in other charities and organizations.
GK also carries the Lebanese “Cedar Medal” from President Emile Lahoud, with rank of Commander, in addition to multitudes of awards from various organizations both for his professional achievements, as well as for his contributions to society. GK is viewed as an authority in mass media and communications.
In 2011, he departed MBC after making a statement in which he supported the Syrian government, and stated that "there was a conspiracy against the Syrian government from Arab TV station." Subsequently, his shows were canceled from MBC and he eventually joined Mayadeen TV station.[6]
In 2012,G.K. joined the Al Hayat Television family to present the hit TV-show “ Who Wants to be A Millionaire”[7] and "Al-Mosameh Karim".
George Kurdahi has also launched his own brand of perfume called G.K.[8]
Personal life
George Kurdahi is married to Ida Kassar with three children. GK, after living in Europe and other Arab Countries for many years, he returned to his home town of Feitroun.
He speaks four languages : Arabic, French, English and Italian.
References
- ↑ "George Kurdahi | Celebrity Net Worth". Celebrity Net Worth. Retrieved 2017-04-07.
- ↑ "George Kurdahi On Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Egypt Today". www.egypttoday.com. Retrieved 2017-04-08.
- ↑ "Al Danah KWD 1 million winner to be announced live by George Kurdahi on January 4". Al Bawaba. 2010-12-29. Retrieved 2017-04-07.
- ↑ "Tamkeen". www.tamkeen.ae. Retrieved 2017-04-11.
- ↑ "George Kirdahi a UN ambassador for the environment; Also the host of a new political talk show early next year". Al Bawaba. 2002-11-28. Retrieved 2017-04-08.
- ↑ "George Kurdahi resigns from MBC, joins Mayadeen". Arab News. 2011-09-07. Retrieved 2017-04-07.
- ↑ "George Kurdahi takes his millions to Al Hayat TV". Al Bawaba. 2012-07-24. Retrieved 2017-04-07.
- ↑ "Al Hawaj launches George Kordahi perfume". 24x7 News. Retrieved 2017-04-05.