A key partner in the distribution of Western luxury brands in the Middle East, and notably the owner of Christofle since 2012, the Chalhoub Group has announced the appointment of Michael Chalhoub. As of January 1, 2025, the son of the current CEO is the new CEO. A historic turning point.
The Chalhoub Group, a pioneer and key player in the distribution of luxury and beauty products in the MENA region (Middle East, North Africa), but also active in South America, is undergoing a change of management.
Michael Chalhoub, 37, succeeded his father Patrick Chalhoub on January 1, 2025. The latter, after two decades at the head of the eponymous group, becomes Executive Chairman.
This handover comes almost four years after the death of the founder and father of the former CEO, Michel Chalhoub.
This is a strategic milestone in the development of a 70-year-old exclusive relationship with luxury brands, based on joint ventures, franchises and partnership agreements.
A proven heir
The new CEO, Michael Chalhoub, has worked for many years within the family group founded by his grandfather. According to WWD, the 37-year-old, who holds an MBA from Harvard University, has so far focused on joint ventures, strategy and innovation.
Michael’s father, Patrick, is adamant that there was no favoritism in his appointment.
The man who has been at the head of the Group for over 22 years has ensured an “orderly transfer of leadership”. In other words, a rigorous three-year planning process involving internal and external candidates, as well as a restructuring of the company’s advisory board. For the patriarch, it was crucial that the handover be based on the skills of the candidates, and not on any family ties.
For Michael Chalhoub, the task will be tosupport the intensification of the Group’s e-commerce activity (currently some sixty sites), notably by exploring new markets such as the United States, its second largest after the Middle East.
One of the group’s flagship brands, Level Shoes, a concept store created ten years ago in the Dubai Mall and designed as the place to be for women who love shoes, aims to open its first American logistics center in the first quarter of 2025.
“My goal will be to create value for our customers, partners and employees while fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity,” said the new CEO.
For his part, Michael’s father, Patrick Chalhoub, is not totally leaving the entrepreneurial adventure he joined in 1979, taking on the role of executive chairman. As the press release states, “Patrick will focus on preserving the Group’s vision and mission and guiding its sustainable growth, fostering long-term strategic partnerships and encouraging adaptability in the face of change.”
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Read also > OTB Group relies on Chalhoub to conquer the Middle East
Featured Photo: © Chalhoub Group
