Robert Fadel

Robert Fadel (Arabic: روبير فاضل); A prominent Figure in Lebanese Politics, Business, and Philanthropy.

Robert Fadel^[1], born on January 12, 1970, in Tripoli, Lebanon, has carved out a significant presence in Lebanese society as a political activist, philanthropist, and business leader. His journey from the corridors of Lebanese parliament to the boardrooms of major corporations, coupled with his dedication to social causes, paints the picture of a man committed to the betterment of Lebanon on multiple fronts.

Fadel's political career is marked by a blend of activism and public service. He started his political career very early as a delegation member to the 1989 Taef conference that ended Lebanon’s 15-year civil war. He was later elected as an independent member of the Lebanese Parliament in 2009, representing Tripoli, a city where he had already made his mark succeeding his father, Maurice Fadel. His tenure in politics was characterized by an approach that sought to transcend sectarian lines, aiming for reforms and national unity. He proposed a bill to provide financial assistance to Lebanese families living below the extreme poverty line, contingent upon their children's education and the family's participation in vocational training. The proposal was supported by Prime Minister Saad Hariri but was never adopted by the parliament.

His significant efforts and involvement in national dialogues during Lebanon's constitutional crisis further underscores his commitment to peace and stability in the country.

Fadel was notably part of the March 14 coalition, which was significant in post-civil war Lebanon for its advocacy of sovereignty against Syrian and Iranian influence.

He resigned from his parliamentary seat in 2016^[2] , a dramatic move in protest against corruption, lack of reforms, and the absence of sectarian diversity in local governance. This act of resignation made Fadel the first MP to step down in response to Lebanon's political crisis before Lebanon’s economic collapse of 2019.

After his resignation from Parliament, Fadel worked with opposition parties and civil society to propose alternative political frameworks. In 2016, he co-founded Kulluna Irada^[3], a lobby for reforms and sovereignty, with many leading figures of the Lebanese diaspora. In 2018, Fadel revamped with secretary general Pierre Issa^[4] the National Bloc^[5], a secular, sovereignist, principled reformist party. He has been vocal about Lebanon’s political and economic challenges, criticizing the entrenched leadership and advocating for systemic change.

Although in the business realm, Robert Fadel is best known for his leadership at ABC Group^[6], one of Lebanon's leading retail and real estate companies. As Chairman and CEO from 2009 to 2017, he professionalized the family business, setting it on a path of modern management practices and long-term growth projects. His tenure is documented in the Harvard Business School case "From Beirut with Love"^[7][8], which explores his strategies in navigating family business dynamics and the volatile Lebanese market.

Fadel's contributions extend into philanthropy, particularly through founding Bader^{[9][10][11][12]} in 2005, an NGO aimed at supporting young Lebanese entrepreneurs and reducing brain drain in Lebanon. This initiative reflects his belief in the power of youth and innovation to rebuild Lebanon from within. His involvement, with various other initiatives, like the Maurice Fadel Prize^[13], established in 2010 to honor his late father, further highlights his commitment to development, especially in Northern Lebanon, where he has deep roots.

Fadel's influence isn't confined to Lebanon. He has served on the board of the International Crisis Group^[14], engaging in dialogues to prevent and resolve international conflicts. His work with this organization included efforts in Venezuela, between Saudi Arabia and Iran, showcasing his role as a mediator in global politics. He is currently involved and supports InterMediate , a UK based conflict resolution organization founded by Jonathan Powell^[15].

Fadel has three children, Marie Diane, Serena and Maurice. He was married to Hala Frangie from 1999 to 2021. Fadel’s educational credentials include a master’s degree in finance and economics from the Paris Institute of Political Studies and a postgraduate degree in Public Administration from France's National School of Administration (ENA), where he also chaired the Global Alumni Association in 2000 and helped establish an ENA school in Lebanon. Additionally, he co-authored the book “Regards sur la France”^[16] (Seuil, 2007).

Robert Fadel's life and career illustrate a profound dedication to his country's progress through politics, business, and philanthropy. His efforts to foster entrepreneurship, promote peace through dialogue, and advocate for systemic change in Lebanon's governance structure demonstrate a leadership style that is both visionary and pragmatic. While his resignation from parliament might have ended his formal political tenure, his influence continues through his business acumen and social initiatives, aiming to leave a legacy of a more prosperous, inclusive, and peaceful Lebanon.