It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Anthony Chalhoub, Co-CEO of The Chalhoub Group, and a hugely respected figure in the luxury goods and travel retail industry in the Middle East.
With his brother Patrick, Anthony led the company originally founded by his parents in Damascus in 1955. The Chalhoub Group today is one of the most influential retailers and distributors of luxury goods and beauty in the Middle East, with operations spanning 14 countries.
The company also has a long track record in travel retail, having managed the Kuwait Duty Free business for many years, and with continuing ground and inflight businesses.
Anthony was President of the Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association from 2007 to 2011.
Dermot Davitt writes: It was my privilege to get to know Anthony Chalhoub, first when he was Managing Director of Habchi & Chalhoub, which ran Kuwait Duty Free (with management services from Aer Rianta International-Middle East), and later in his time as MEDFA (now MEADFA) Board Member and President, where he served with distinction.
He was a more than gracious host on my first visit to Kuwait many years ago, when he helped introduce me to the nuances of the regional business in the Middle East and of course, to the great Chalhoub family story.
Although he was unarguably one of the busiest men in the business, juggling his family company’s multiple operations and partnerships, he always found time to stop for a quiet word, whether it was on the busy walkways of the Cannes show or amid the demands on his time at the MEADFA Conference.
His first question when we met was always about my wife and children, underlining the importance he placed in family. After he was satisfied with the answer, and not before, we could move onto business. A true gentleman, who I will remember fondly.
We at The Moodie Davitt Report join with Anthony’s many friends and colleagues in the industry in expressing our sympathies to his family.
