Chalhoub Group Founder & Chairman Michel Chalhoub passes away

By Luke Barras-hill |

Michel Chalhoub, was an Officier de la Legion d’Honneur, Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite and Commandeur de l’Ordre de Saint-Grégoire le Grand et de la Sainte Croix de Jérusalem.

It is with sadness that TRBusiness reports the passing of Chalhoub Group Founder and Chairman Michel Chalhoub.

Born in Damascus in 1931, Michel Chalhoub was the driving force behind the eponymous privately held luxury group in the Middle East that specialises in beauty, fashion and gifting.

From its establishment in 1955, the Dubai-headquartered firm today operates more than 750 retail stores (including running duty free shops and concession management activities) and employs in excess of 12,000 people in 14 countries.

In a LinkedIn post, the Group describes Michel Chalhoub asan exceptional visionary, a pioneer, a passionate entrepreneur and an inspirational leader who created a group that became a family’.

‘AN EXCEPTIONAL VISIONARY’

He leaves behind his wife Widad, who together with Michel Chalhoub opened the first Christofle boutique in Damascus, son Patrick – President of Chalhoub Group – and wider family members.

“The Chalhoub Group mourns with the Chalhoub family and celebrates the extraordinary life of Michel Chalhoub, a remarkable man who created an impact by devoting his life to his family, his group and the communities around him,” read the post.

Michel Chalhoub, who passed away on Friday 30 July, was regarded as an inspirational leader, generous, respectful, courageous and devoted to his business, family and the communities he served.

“He was known not just for his inspirational career and vision, but for his warmth, generosity and deep-rooted values of respect, excellence, entrepreneurial spirit and the courage to dare. He had to rebuild the Group’s business several times after historic events of turmoil and crisis.

“He leaves behind a solid foundation and a legacy that will long serve to inspire us and will stand as an example to all of us to persist in our pursuit of success by serving others. We will continue to honour his name and, above all, his values with a deep sense of pride and responsibility. May his soul rest in peace.”

Known as the ‘wandering president’, Michel Chalhoub worked tirelessly to build the group’s business in different categories and countries while weathering a series of major crises in the region during a career that took him from Syria and Lebanon to Kuwait and Dubai.

In the early 2000s, he handed over the management reins to Patrick Chalhoub and the late Anthony Chalhoub.

Patrick Chalhoub, President of Chalhoub Group, said: “My father was a visionary, a pioneer, a true leader, a great man that pushed us to be what we are today. He was resilient, inspiring, passionate.

He was a family man, generous, loving, caring, kind, and an example of courage and integrity. He was my role model and inspiration. We will forever be grateful for all that he has done and, along with our children and teams, we will honour his memory with our lifetime commitment to continue building on his legacy.”

At the time this report went to press, more than 300 comments and tributes to Michel Chalhoub had poured in via LinkedIn.

TRBusiness would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Michel Chalhoub and to the Chalhoub Group at this very difficult time.

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