The American Chamber of Commerce in Lebanon (AmCham Lebanon) announces the election of its new Board of Directors, chaired by Walid Assaf, following its General Assembly held on September 21, 2026, in Beirut.
Bringing together leaders from diverse sectors of the economy, the newly elected Board will build on the Chamber’s established role in fostering U.S.–Lebanon business relations, with a renewed focus on expanding commercial opportunities, strengthening international engagement, and delivering tangible value to its members.
The Executive Board members are Walid Assaf (SMLC / Pepsi Cola), Chairman; Rabah Jaber (RJ Group Holding), First Vice President for International Affairs; Youssef Abillama (Shelt Cybersecurity), Second Vice President for Public Relations; Jean Riachi (I&C Bank), Third Vice President for Membership; Nicolas Boukather (A.N. Boukather SAL), Secretary General; Nabil Fahed (Karim Trading SAL), Treasurer; and Nadim Kassar (Fransabank), Coordinator with the Advisory Board.
The Board members also include Ghassan Salem (Citibank, N.A.), Rana Taher (Amideast), Nabil Gemayel (Gemayel Frères SAL), Farid Homsi (Impex Trading Co.), Jennifer Sarraf (MaliaTec), Fadi Sabbagha (Born Interactive O.C. SAL), Farid Chedid (Chedid & Associates SAL), Raida Daouk (Amkan Ventures), Kheirredine El Jisr (Bridge Capital Holding), and Rony Chahoud (Cisco Systems Management BV).
Together, the Board represents a broad spectrum of industries, including banking, finance, insurance, automotive, technology, real estate, education, investment, trade, distribution, Packaging & Paper Industry and professional services, bringing diverse perspectives to the Chamber’s strategic direction.
The Board’s priorities include facilitating greater access to U.S. markets and business networks, reinforcing engagement with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the international AmCham network, and fostering a more competitive business environment. It will also focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and enhanced membership services through targeted networking, strategic partnerships, and advocacy.
“The future of Lebanon’s economy will be shaped by our ability to transform our strengths into opportunities and our international relationships into lasting partnerships,” said Walid Assaf, Chairman of AmCham Lebanon. “AmCham Lebanon is uniquely positioned to help make that happen. Together with the new Board, we are determined to strengthen our ties with the United States, empower our members to grow beyond borders, and ensure that our Chamber is not simply a network of businesses, but a driving force for opportunity, investment, and economic progress.”
With its new leadership, AmCham Lebanon will continue to serve as a platform for collaboration between Lebanese and American businesses, contributing to a more connected, resilient, and competitive Lebanese economy.
About AmCham Lebanon
The American Lebanese Chamber of Commerce (AmCham Lebanon) is an official non-profit organization advancing business and trade relations between Lebanon and the United States. Supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce and a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the global AmCham network, and the AmCham MENA Council, it connects its members to a worldwide community of business leaders.
Announced in 1998 by U.S. Secretary of Commerce William Daley during his visit to Beirut, AmCham Lebanon was officially launched in January 2000 by Molly Williamson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Middle East and Africa at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
AmCham Lebanon’s mission is to drive economic, commercial, financial, and tourism ties between the two countries. It champions mutual private-sector investment and strengthens cooperation among American, Lebanese, and international chambers.
Its members span key sectors of the economy, including general trade, information technology, education, pharmaceuticals, law, finance and banking, and many other sectors. Through policy advocacy, lobbying, business matchmaking, business development missions, conferences, roundtables and workshops, AmCham Lebanon turns connections into concrete opportunities.