Michel Chalhoub & family

$1.70 B

Ranked #1349 in World

About Michel Chalhoub & family

Michel Chalhoub, the French-Syrian billionaire and esteemed founder of the Chalhoub Group, who amassed a net worth of US$1.1 billion by August 2021, passed away at 89 on 30 July 2021. Born in Damascus in 1931, Chalhoub embarked on his entrepreneurial journey in 1955 alongside his wife Widad, navigating through challenges from the Syrian military coup to establishing a robust presence in the luxury goods market in the Middle East, controlling about 20% of it. After moving across the Middle East due to political unrest and conflicts, including the Lebanese Civil War and the Invasion of Kuwait, Chalhoub's vision led the Group to substantial growth with his sons, Anthony and Patrick, at the helm as co-CEOs in 2001, until Patrick took over as the sole CEO following Anthony’s death in 2018. Chalhoub's legacy endures through his contributions to the luxury sector and his surviving family members, wife Widad and son Patrick.

Born

October 09, 1931 in Damascus, Syria

Died

July 30, 2021 (aged 89)

Source Of Wealth

Retail

Industries

Fashion & Retail

Citizenship

France

Spouse

Widad Chalhoub

Children

Michel Chalhoub was born in Damascus, Syria, in 1931. He was a French billionaire of Syrian origin and the founder of the Chalhoub Group, a luxury goods retailer in the Middle East.

Michel Chalhoub & family: Family

Michel Chalhoub was married to Widad, and they lived in Dubai. They had two sons, Anthony and Patrick. Anthony and Patrick took over as co-CEOs of the Chalhoub Group in 2001. After Anthony's death in 2018, Patrick became the sole CEO.

Michel Chalhoub & family: Career Highlights

Michel Chalhoub started his business with his wife Widad in Damascus in 1955. They moved to Beirut after the Syrian military coup and economic uncertainty. Due to the Lebanese Civil War, they relocated to Kuwait, where the company flourished. His sons Anthony and Patrick joined the Group, and together they controlled about 20% of the region's luxury goods market.

During the Invasion of Kuwait and the Gulf War, Michel Chalhoub was forced to establish an exile operation to continue business operations.

Michel Chalhoub & family: Companies

Michel Chalhoub founded the Chalhoub Group, a luxury goods retailer in the Middle East. The company has a presence in over 14 countries and represents over 250 luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, and Gucci.

Michel Chalhoub & family: Major Achievements

Michel Chalhoub is credited with transforming the luxury goods market in the Middle East. He was a pioneer in bringing international luxury brands to the region and helped to establish Dubai as a global shopping destination.

Michel Chalhoub & family: Awards & Achievements

Michel Chalhoub received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the business and retail industry. Some of his notable awards include:

The Arab Businessman of the Year Award in 2005
The Lifetime Achievement Award from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2011
The Order of Merit from the President of Lebanon in 2012

Michel Chalhoub & family: Personal Life & Legacy

Michel Chalhoub was known for his philanthropy and support of various charitable causes.

He was also a passionate art collector and supported local artists and cultural initiatives.

Michel Chalhoub's legacy is one of entrepreneurship, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. He built a successful business empire and left a lasting impact on the luxury goods industry in the Middle East.

Michel Chalhoub & family: Trivia

Michel Chalhoub was a polyglot and spoke Arabic, French, English, and Italian fluently.

He was a keen sportsman and enjoyed playing tennis and golf.

Michel Chalhoub was a patron of the arts and supported various cultural initiatives, including the Dubai International Film Festival and the Sharjah Art Foundation.

Wealth History

Timeline

1931

Michel Chalhoub is born in Damascus, Syria.

1955

Michel Chalhoub starts a business with his wife Widad in Damascus.

1970s

Michel Chalhoub moves to Beirut after the Syrian military coup and economic uncertainty.

1980s

Michel Chalhoub relocates to Kuwait due to the Lebanese Civil War, where the company flourishes.

1990s

Michel Chalhoub's sons Anthony and Patrick join the Chalhoub Group.

1990-1991

Michel Chalhoub is forced to establish an exile operation during the Invasion of Kuwait and Gulf War.

2001

Michel Chalhoub's sons Anthony and Patrick take over as co-CEOs of Chalhoub Group.

2018

Anthony Chalhoub passes away, and Patrick Chalhoub becomes the sole CEO of Chalhoub Group.

30 July 2021

Michel Chalhoub passes away at the age of 89.

Michel Chalhoub & family : FAQs

What is Michel Chalhoub's net worth?

As of 2019, Michel Chalhoub's net worth was $1.70 billion.

What are Michel Chalhoub's main sources of wealth?

Michel Chalhoub's main source of income comes from Retail.

In which industry does Michel Chalhoub primarily operate?

Michel Chalhoub is primarily involved in the Fashion & Retail industry.

Is Michel Chalhoub dead?

Yes, Michel Chalhoub died on July 30, 2021 (aged 89).

How many children does Michel Chalhoub have?

Michel Chalhoub has 2 children.

What is the origin and early life detail of Michel Chalhoub?

Michel Chalhoub was born in Damascus, Syria, in 1931, marking the beginning of his journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

How did Michel Chalhoub start his business and how did it evolve over the years?

Michel Chalhoub initiated his business alongside his wife Widad in Damascus in 1955. Following a military coup in Syria and the Lebanese Civil War, they moved to Beirut and later to Kuwait where the business expanded. His sons, Anthony and Patrick, joined the Group, which faced exile operations during the Invasion of Kuwait but ultimately controlled about 20% of the luxury goods market in the region.

Can you detail Michel Chalhoub’s family and who took over the Chalhoub Group?

Michel Chalhoub was married to Widad and had two sons, Anthony and Patrick, who became co-CEOs of the Chalhoub Group in 2001. Following Anthony's death in 2018, Patrick became the sole CEO.

When did Michel Chalhoub pass away and who are his survivors?

Michel Chalhoub passed away on 30 July 2021 at the age of 89. He is survived by his wife Widad and son Patrick.