Antoun
Sehnaoui is a renowned businessman and banker in Lebanon. Currently,
he chairs the Société Générale de Banque au
Liban or SGBL. He is also the chairman
of the FIDUS, the housing finance and wealth management group. Outside
boardrooms, Sehnaoui has extensive businesses. He has investments in real
estate, tourism, print media and hospitality sector. These sectors combined
with finance and banking forms the core of the contemporary economy of Lebanon.
Added to the philanthropic spirit of this entrepreneur, they make him one of
the most popular figures in the region. In addition, he supports Beirut International
Film Festival, which is the Beirut Art Center.
Prominent figure
Sehnaoui has already established himself as an
embodiment of contemporary Lebanese businessman and entrepreneur. He is a
strong believer in this country’s future. He is never shy to take risks that
will lead to the realization of the vast potential of this country.
Birth and childhood
Sehnaoui was born in 1972 in Lebanon. He hails from the
distinguished Greek Catholic as well as politician’s line. He was given his
name after a grandfather. His grandfather became a minister in 1994. He was
also elected as the Deputy in Beirut several times. He is the son of May Chehab
and Nabil Sehnaoui. Chehab was a great granddaughter to Emir Bachir Chehab II.
Emir Bachir Chehab II was the ruler of Mount Lebanon during the first half of
19th Century.
Education
Antoun was brought up in Lebanon at the time of the
civil war. It was this experience that instilled a string national duty sense
in him. He returned to Lebanon from the U.S where he pursued a degree in International
Banking and Finance in 1997. He studied at the University of Southern California.
On returning to Lebanon, he focused on realizing the vision of making Lebanon a
banking and finance hub in the region. He focused his effort on finance,
banking, tourism and media.
Achievements
In 1999, Sehnaoui became the chairman of FIDUS. Since
then, he has turned the institution into a leading financial investment
institution in Lebanon. From the time he was appointed the Chairman of Société Générale de Banque au Liban, the
financial institution has also realized unprecedented growth and success. The
bank has also been a leader in maintaining the banking tradition of Lebanon
over the years.
In addition to making a significant contribution in
the burgeoning media sector in Lebanon, Sehnaoui founded the News Media in
1998. This is the publishing house behind the Executive Magazine. Currently,
this is the leading English, business magazine in the Middle East. It is a
must-read for investors and analysts.
In the hospitality and tourism sector, Sehnaoui was
the first investor to identify commercial potential in the Gemmayzeh and Saifi
areas in Beirut. It was here that he opened La Tabkha and Centrale which
brought life to the region. He also spotted the potential of Damour where he
started an Ocean beach resort. This has become a major attraction for tourists
in the region.
AntounSehnaoui has clearly shown that he has the courage and
vision that Lebanon needs to thrive to prosperity.
Summary
Antoun
Sehnaoui is a prominent figure in Lebanon and the surrounding
areas. Take a minute to find out more about him and his achievements in
different sectors.
