Why Antoun Sehnaoui is at the Center of the Talk of Lebanon
Antoun Sehnaoui is a renowned Lebanese businessman and banker. Currently, he is the chairman of Societe Generale de Banque au Liban or SGBL. He also chairs Wealth Management at FIDUS. He is also the Vice-Chairman of the Societe Generale de Banque in Jordan. Antoun is also a member of the Banks’ Association Board of Directors in Lebanon.
Extensive businesses
Outside the boardroom, Antoun has extensive businesses. He has investments in real estate, tourism, the hospitality industry and print media. Combined with finance and banking these sectors forms the core of the contemporary Lebanese economy. Additionally, this banker is a popular philanthropist. He has been supporting various organizations and events in Lebanon including the Beirut Art Center and Beirut International Film Festival. He has become an embodiment of a contemporary businessman in Lebanon, a strong believer in this country’s future and an entrepreneur. He is never shy to take risk that leads to the realization of the vast potential of this country.
Contribution in the financial sector
Antoun has a strong vision for every organization or institution that he leads or become a member of. For instance, since he took over the leadership of FIDUS he has turned it into a leading investment firm that has been growing since 1999. From the moment he became the SGBL chairman in October 2007, the financial institution has achieved unprecedented success. This institution has also been a leader in maintaining the tradition of the banking sector in Lebanon.
Contribution in the media industry
He has also made significant contribution in the other sectors including the media industry. For instance, in 1998, he founded the News Media. This is the publishing house behind the Executive. This was and still is the leading business magazine in the Middle East that is published in English language. It is read by most investors and analysts.
Contribution in the hospitality industry
In the hospitality and tourism industry, Antoun was among the first investors who identified the potential that Beirut areas of Gemmayzeh and Saif had commercially. He opened the La Tabkha and Centrale restaurants there. These restaurants have become the heart beat of the tourist life in Lebanon. He also spotted the potential of the sleepy region in South Beirut, Damour, and opened a resort in the Oceana beach. Currently, Oceana Effect is seen along the coastline in Lebanon where there are countless hotels and resorts today.
Philanthropist
Antoun is a renowned sponsor who has facilitated the operations of various organizations in the past. For instance, he has sponsored Arcenciel by financing the technical aids production to enable it to meet mobility needs of over 300 PWDs within Lebanon. Some of the activities of Arcenciel include initiative “bouchons roulants.” This was launched in 2009 and it facilitates the production of new wheelchairs after the collection of bottle caps.
Generally, Antoun Sehnaoui is an indication of the Lebanese creativity, energy and sound insight in business. He has shown that as long as a person has courage and a vision, prosperity can be achieved.
