Lebanese talent has long had a way of making waves in business, across industries, across borders, and often against the odds. Even in challenging times, it’s worth spotlighting the figures whose journeys continue to inspire, from tech innovators to retail power players and hospitality visionaries.
These are the Lebanese business leaders turning ambition into impact, and proving that success stories from the region are only getting bigger.
Rodolphe Saadé
Chairman & CEO of CMA CGM
Rodolphe Saadé is a Franco-Lebanese businessman and the chairman of CMA CGM, one of the world’s leading logistics and shipping companies. He took over the reins from his father, Jacques Saadé, the company’s founder, and has since expanded its global footprint. As of April 2024, his net worth was estimated at approximately US$8.9 billion.
Today, CMA CGM operates in more than 170 countries through a network of over 400 local agencies, delivering innovative and integrated transport and logistics solutions that support global trade and cargo movement.
Samer Abu-Ltaif
President of Microsoft Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA)
With more than 35 years of experience in the technology industry, Samer Abu-Ltaif is the President of Microsoft Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), overseeing the company’s operations across more than 120 markets. He works closely with customers, partners, and governments to support AI adoption, digital transformation, and sustainable growth, helping organizations use technology to innovate and stay competitive.
Since joining Microsoft in 2004, Samer has helped strengthen the company’s regional presence, leading key investments in cloud infrastructure, AI, and digital skills development.
Samia Bouazza
CEO of 2PointZero Group
Samia Bouazza is the CEO of 2PointZero Group PJSC, one of Abu Dhabi’s leading listed investment holding companies, with assets of AED 134 billion and operations spanning more than 85 countries.
With over two decades of leadership experience, she now oversees the Group’s strategic direction, its expanding portfolio of high-return investments, and the long-term sustainable growth of its subsidiaries.
Toufic Kreidieh
Executive Chairman & Co-Founder of Brands for Less Group
Toufic Kreidieh is a Lebanese businessman and the co-founding partner and executive chairman of the Brands for Less Group, a leading off-price retail company established in 1996. He launched the first Brands For Less store in Lebanon in the same year, laying the foundation for what would become a major regional retail success story.
Today, the BFL Group is headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, where it continues to expand its footprint across the region.
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Carl Wazen
Co-founder & CBO of Yoco
Carl Wazen is a Lebanese entrepreneur and co-founder at Yoco, where he focuses on go-to-market strategy, corporate development, and growth. Yoco is a leading South African fintech company that provides integrated point-of-sale (POS) and payment solutions tailored for small and medium-sized businesses. To date, the company has raised around $170 million in funding from leading global investors.
Before co-founding Yoco, Carl built a strong career in finance and consulting, working as a management consultant, private equity investor, and banker across Africa and the Middle East with Citi and Delta Partners.
Rabih Fakhreddine
Founder & Group CEO of 7 Management
Rabih Fakhreddine, Founder and CEO of 7 Management, has been shaping the Middle East’s entertainment scene for over 15 years. Under his leadership, the group has built a diverse portfolio of dining, nightlife, and lifestyle destinations across the region.
Today, 7 Management’s lineup includes popular venues such as The Theater, B018 Dxb, Seven Sisters Beirut, February 30, Sayf, Antika Bar, Cafe Beirut, Lucia’s, Black Flamingo, Limonata, and Parasol, each contributing to the region’s dynamic hospitality landscape.
Lebanese entrepreneurs continue to prove that ambition, resilience, and creativity know no borders. Their journeys aren’t just about business success; they reflect a mindset that turns challenges into opportunities and ideas into lasting impact. As these leaders keep expanding their influence across tech, retail, finance, and hospitality, one thing is clear: Lebanese talent isn’t just part of the global conversation; it’s helping lead it.
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