Meet Sherif Coutry, a foodie on a mission to revolutionize the burger scene in Kuwait via his role as Marketing Director at McDonald’s Kuwait. With the latest unveiling of McDonald’s #CreateYourTaste event, where customers are allowed to customize every last detail of their burger of choice at McDonald’s, Sherif’s mission is well underway!

While Sherif might be a newbie to Kuwait, he quickly fell in love with the local dining scene. He told bazaar, “Besides my passion for McDonald’s, I was blown away by the local culinary scene, and we even chose Kuwait as the first location in the Middle East, and the fifth in the world, to launch our latest ‘Create Your Taste’ campaign. I would easily say that the culinary scene in Kuwait is probably more advanced than in any part of the world.  You can never run out of options here when it comes to food.” When he’s not feasting on one of his own #CreateYourTaste burgers, he frequents local favorites like Edo, as well as Burj Al Hamam and The Meat Co.

With a seasoned career in marketing in the food and beverage industry, Sherif brings over to Kuwait a wealth of information based on his previous experience as Marketing Director to McDonald’s in Egypt. His love affair with the brand, however, dates as far back as his childhood, “McDonald’s was a big part of my childhood growing up in London.  I’ve always loved McDonald’s so it’s quite fitting that I’ve been working with the brand for more than 12 years now.” He counts Kuwait as one of the most creative industries in the region, yet Sherif feels that there is still work to be done in elevating the level of creative output in terms of the advertising realm. He added, “I really feel like there is a big opportunity for boutique agencies to positively impact the current market.”

Given his position working with such a fun and dynamic brand, Sherif is constantly challenged by new opportunities. While that attitude toward work seems extremely exciting, he won’t hesitate to sit down with the next musician he meets for an impromptu jamming session. He said, “I am a music lover and play the guitar when I have the time. I also love to travel, and love food—well that should be obvious to your readers by now.” Sherif hopes to eventually open his own restaurant in the future.

How would your mother describe you in one word?

Kind.

How would you describe your mother in one word?

Kind.

What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?

Is traffic worse here or in Cairo?

What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve done? 

From what I can say here and not get implicated, I traveled to Ibiza solo the first time around.

What is your theme song?

They change but currently anything from The National’s Trouble will Find me album.

What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?

Pantofli.

Where would you like to live? What is your dream retirement location?

Anywhere on the Mediterranean.

What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind? 

Kill all my demons and my angels might die too.

What do you miss about your childhood?

Not having a phone or technology in general.

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

Bugsy Malone.

Describe your handshake in one word?

Accommodating.

What is the toughest part of your character?

Some say I have a short fuse.

Who is your favorite historical figure? 

Leonardo Da Vinci.

What in the world do you least desire?

Going shopping.

What do you think is lacking in the world, which if there was more of would make the world a better place?

Food trucks.

Why do you think most girls/guys like you?

I don’t know. I always ask myself that question.

Finish this sentence: “Happiness is (a thing called)…” 

Traveling.