A journalist who can run any room

About Mariam Zaidi

A journalist who can run any room? Just ask her clients.

Mariam Zaidi is a news anchor, conference moderator, event host (MC) and executive media trainer based in London, working across Brussels, Europe, the Middle East and internationally. She is trusted to lead complex, high-stakes conversations and events at the highest level.

With over a decade in global newsrooms and at the centre of major geopolitical events, she brings editorial precision, authority and composure to the stage. Her background in live and breaking news is central to her moderation work, allowing her to navigate fast-moving, unscripted moments with clarity, structure and pace.

This is what sets her apart. As a news presenter at TRT World in London, she anchors flagship programmes, special programming and breaking news across global politics, business and current affairs. That experience translates directly to the stage, shaping discussions in real time, maintaining focus and ensuring conversations land with clarity and intent.

Mariam moderates and MCs global policy forums, corporate conferences and international events, working with senior policymakers, CEOs, global organisations and leading brands. She is known for commanding the room, shaping sharp, focused discussions and ensuring conversations remain intelligent, engaging and on message.

Her style is editorial and precise. She asks the questions that matter, challenges where needed and keeps discussions moving with purpose, particularly when topics are complex, political or high-stakes. At the same time, she brings warmth and humour to the stage, creating a genuine connection with audiences and drawing them into the conversation rather than leaving them on the sidelines.

She is as comfortable leading a high-level policy debate as she is navigating the unexpected. While hosting a CNBC brunch for McLaren Racing, the CEO — as they say in news — threw out the running order just as the event was getting underway, calling for an organic conversation. Drawing on her knowledge of Formula 1, Mariam pivoted instantly, leading a two-hour unscripted discussion with McLaren CEO Zak Brown and F1 driver Oscar Piastri.

At a Brussels energy policy event, a protest threatened to disrupt the programme. Mariam understood the need to keep cool heads and protect the integrity of the event. She invited one of the activists on stage, incorporating their perspective into the discussion and allowing the event to continue without losing focus.

Broadcast Career

Being on camera, under the bright lights, is where Mariam thrives.

At TRT World in London, Mariam anchors flagship evening news bulletins on the biggest stories across politics, business and current affairs. She has anchored live coverage of defining moments including declaring live, Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 US Election, the Israel-Hamas ceasefire coming into effect and the latest on the Ukraine war and wider Middle East conflict. As a sports fan she never misses an opportunity to talk about football, F1 or tennis live on air.

Mariam has also worked across leading international news organisations including CNBC, BBC, ITV, CGTN, Euractiv, the Associated Press and Euronews where she notably broke the news of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and helped steer the channel’s extensive coverage of the war, the Covid-19 pandemic and the UK’s Partygate scandal.

What Sets Mariam Apart

Being at the very sharp end of journalism, in the hot seat for breaking news, asking the most important questions and navigating shifting narratives, gives you a confidence that few can rely on. Mariam brings that to the stage of every event, commanding rooms and shaping sharp discussions. She ensures conversations remain focused, engaging and relevant, particularly when topics are complex, political or high-stakes.

But perhaps her most important qualities are her humanity and humour. Mariam understands that it’s not just about being the most intelligent person in the room. You have to connect with the people you’re talking to. You have to bring your personality to any stage or platform to create a connection.

Areas of Expertise

Having moderated hundreds of major international events, she is an established conference moderator combining real broadcast authority with sharp policy and subject-matter expertise, bringing structure, pace and editorial rigour to complex, high-stakes discussions.

Mariam moderates at leading international gatherings including the World Economic Forum, the United Nations Climate Change Conference and VivaTech, as well as hosting high-profile award ceremonies and international conferences for leading brands such as Money20/20 and for international broadcasters including CNBC.

As a specialist in EU and global affairs, she is a recognised Brussels moderator, regularly engaged by EU institutions, MEPs, parliamentary groups and leading Brussels-based public affairs and strategic advisory firms for high-level events and policy forums- especially in the health sector.

EU & Brussels Expertise

Mariam served as EU Correspondent and Bureau Chief at CGTN in Brussels for four years, covering one of the defining political stories of a generation — Brexit.

She has reported from major summits including at the UN, EU, NATO and G7 for CGTN’s global networks in America, China, Africa and Europe. Covering Europe from its capital Brussels allowed Mariam to develop deep subject expertise across the breadth of EU policy. She also worked at EuroparlTV - the parliamentary news channel for the European Parliament. That foundation, learning about the inner workings of the EU institutions has helped her gain trust and expertise in Brussels policy circles.

Mariam is an in-demand Brussels moderator working extensively across leading EU policy platforms, including the Parliament Magazine, Euractiv and the European Business Summit. A go-to moderator for leading Brussels-based public affairs and strategic advisory firms she moderates conversations with senior policymakers, CEOs, innovators and global thought leaders.

Sector Expertise & Continuous Development

A leading health and EU policy specialist, Mariam is a sought-after conference moderator and MC, leading high-level discussions across geopolitics, global affairs and sectors including fintech, AI, cyber security, technology, finance, regulation, education, human rights and sport.

As an established health moderator, she also leads executive-level discussions bringing together pharmaceutical leaders, European policymakers, innovators and MEPs across major European cities.

Her wide range of moderation specialisms is driven not only by experience but by a commitment to continuous learning — an essential discipline for a moderator navigating complex and fast-moving sectors.

Following a high-level blockchain discussion for CNBC, she completed the Demystifying Blockchain and Crypto course with the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

As a main stage MC for Money20/20, she continues to deepen her expertise in fintech and emerging technologies.

MZ Productions

Beyond broadcasting, Mariam extends her newsroom expertise through her own media venture MZ Productions as a conference moderator, event host (MC). She also provides event videography and thought leadership interviews for corporate clients.

As an executive media trainer she helps leaders communicate with clarity, confidence and authority in high-stakes environments.

Through MZ Events — the events arm of MZ Productions, she curates intimate, high-level discussions that bring together influential voices from politics, media, business and sport to foster meaningful dialogue on the world’s most pressing issues.

Mariam works as a commercial presenter across branded content, corporate media and broadcast productions including as a series presenter with CNBC.

Education & Early Career

Mariam’s career began at the BBC on the day of the 7/7 London bombings, setting the tone for a career shaped by breaking news and international reporting.

She later gained experience at ITV, BBC and the Associated Press, developing her skills across fast-paced newsrooms and international bureaux.

She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from City St George’s, University of London, and an LLB (Hons) in Law.

Book Mariam Zaidi

Conference Moderator | Event Host (MC) | News Anchor | Executive Media Trainer

London | Brussels | International

A skilled moderator with broadcast experience, subject matter fluency and strong presence like Mariam doesn’t just run an event, they shape how it is experienced. The result is a moment that resonates beyond the room.

For booking enquiries please contact MZ Productions.

Specialist topics:

International news

EU Affairs

Politics

Technology

AI

Crypto

Media Literacy

AI Adaption

Social Media Evolution

International news EU Affairs Politics Technology AI Crypto Media Literacy AI Adaption Social Media Evolution

Business

US-EU Relations

Sustainability

Agri Food

Health

Human Rights

Business US-EU Relations Sustainability Agri Food Health Human Rights

Climate

Defence

Trade

Sport

Climate Defence Trade Sport