Shiraz Akmal

Shiraz spends his time exploring, building and living at the intersection of technology and creativity.

Shiraz was the CEO & Co-founder of SPACES. He is now at Apple -managing the AI/ML Future Experiences group.

Shiraz headed up business and product development for DreamWorks DreamLab and aspects of DreamWorks Technology Initiatives focusing on identifying, investing, and creating the next generation of entertainment products and platforms. Deep, hands-on experience building new entertainment businesses leveraging cutting-edge technology, including but not limited to Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed or Augmented Reality (MxR, AR), Location Based Entertainment (LBE), mobile and console video games.

Shiraz is also the founder and CEO of Playwala, a publishing network that connects people, games and commerce. Playwala's exclusive game distribution network reaches 130 million users per month.

Prior to DreamWorks and Playwala, Shiraz spent 9 years at mega publisher THQ as Vice-President of Operations-Product Development, established THQ China, founded the XDG division and was founding member of THQ's Heavy Iron Studios (acquired in August 99).

Shiraz's career highlights include directing a string of multi million selling video game titles including Disney/Pixar’s The Incredibles, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants, and Scooby-Doo! He was also involved in programming several genre-defining products such as, You Don't Know Jack, The Netshow and the After Dark screen saver. His first video game (Hover Blade) was published at age 17 on the Apple IIgs.

Shiraz has a strong technology and creative background, excellent management skills at all levels and is an active entrepreneur.