Maha Akhtar (b. 1966) is a journalist, author, and speechwriter. A contributor to Departures magazine, she also writes about wine for several influential restaurateurs in New York City. A graduate of Bryn Mawr College, Akhtar started her career in the music business as assistant manager for the Cure. Six years later, she moved into public relations for Zagat Survey before entering CBS News, where she worked closely with Dan Rather on the CBS Evening News. Akhtar is the author of two memoirs and two novels previously published in Spanish. She lives in New York City.