It says a lot about a businessman these days who, when ‘googled’, shows a keen interest in brokerage and his alma mater charity events only. Philippe Ghanem is one of those rare ceos that made it big while miraculously remaining under the radar, only to emerge in the more serious publications. It also speaks volumes, when he sends a car to pick you up for an interview at his elegant and contemporary Abu Dhabi home. Take it from a reporter; they rarely come this generous and considerate anymore.
That’s not to say that Ghanem isn’t focused and unrelenting when it comes to his business interest. Still only 26-years-old, he is at the helm of six businesses relating to asset management, and online and offline brokerage including the hugely successful Al Amwal International Brokerage firm and Dublin’s Squared Financial Services. His companies span across Europe and the Middle-East. We met on a Saturday as, “It is the only day where the markets are closed across the world,” he informs me, though the alertness in his stance betrays a need to be constantly on-the-go. Originally from Lebanon, the Ghanem family has been in finance throughout the region for generations. His father, Charbel Ghanem, is responsible for the development of Saayidat Island in Abu Dhabi.
Dressed casually in khakis and a crisply ironed shirt, Ghanem oozes calm and self-effacement, “Clothes should be discreet,” he says, “they should blend in. Brands are of no importance.” He seems just as happy walking around Manhattan or Geneva (where he grew up and still has businesses) in jeans and sports shoes as he does closing deals in carefully tailored suits.
For all its worth, being Philippe Ghanem for 24 hours – his favourite timepiece is a Rolex Chronograph – is not a walk in the park because he holds himself to dizzyingly-high standards. “I can’t turn my brain off,” he admits sheepishly. “And come to think of it, I can’t turn off my phone either.” Not even, it seems, while he’s jetting off from one continent to another. For all intents and purposes, he’s also seen the practicality of traveling in his own private jet for obvious reasons, though he is partial to Swiss Air when scheduling a commercial flight and does have a soft spot of Etihad’s “attentive and convenient direct service from Abu Dhabi to Geneva,” he explains.
His biggest passion, however, is cars. And not just any cars. A Bentley GTC convertible proudly guards the driveway to his home while a Range Rover is jauntily parked on the pavement and a sapphire Mercedes S600 cools its wheels. He also enjoys fine wines and is becoming an avid collector of the rarer ones. “I don’t drink much,” he admits, “I just love the shape of the bottles. I suppose I learned it from my uncle.” A connoisseur in his own right, he recommends Cos d’Estournel 1996 for special occasions.
Philippe Ghanem is an affable man that doesn’t wear his accomplishments on his sleeve nor does he feel the need to babble on about them. His success is apparent in his confident deportment and his attachment to his phone which he admits to be his favourite gadget.
So, with six successful companies under your belt, what do you think has been your biggest accomplishment to date? “I’m too young. Ask me again before I die and I might tell,” he quips, reaching out to pick up his mobile phone.
From Dawn until Dawn
No two days in the life of Philippe Ghanem are the same as he can cross several continents in one week. But there are a few constants.
6.00am to 10am – MARKET RUN
Ghanem structures his schedule around the markets in the UAE and says he may sleep in as late as 6am! When in Europe, he gets up even earlier to see what’s been developing in the Asian markets. Once awake, Ghanem makes a point of calling family members and friends around the world. Once he’s assured himself that his loved ones are fine, he will check with his company and the markets. “We’re at risk 24 hours a day,” he says, “a client may not be satisfied. Money might be lost.” He will also develop new ideas during the morning hours. He keeps a pen and paper by his bed as some of his best ideas comes to him during his brief slumber. New concepts may not get developed for months, but once they’ve been jotted down, he doesn’t have to worry about forgetting them.
11am to 8pm – MARATHON OF MEETINGS
By late morning Ghanem is on the road, meeting clients and making deals. Lunch is often in an Italian restaurant. “Italians,” he maintains, “value their clients and their privacy, besides offering wonderful food.” Back at the office, Ghanem is still busy attracting new clients.
9pm until late – NEVER ENDING STORY
Ghanem’s day never seems to end. He eats dinner around 9pm, at home whenever possible. He’s becoming concerned about his health and is watching what he eats. Sleep will overtake him about midnight or 1am. But don’t be fooled. That keen brain is still churning out new ideas for the pad of paper perched in anticipation on the bedside table.
Ghanem’s two cents on…
Education “I grew up and was schooled in Switzerland. I was not very studious. But Switzerland is a big school. One mistake there will haunt you for life.”
Boats “I love boats. It is true freedom.”
Gadgets “I just got an iPod and find it extraordinary but I haven’t learned to download music yet. I am not a patient guy.”
Life swap “I don’t want to swap lives. Each of us has problems. It’s up to you to be what you want to be.”
Biggest challenge “My daughter. It’s an attachment that is difficult to explain.”
In the next ten years “I want to be BIG!”
