management team
Expertise, insight, and foresight across markets and sectors
Farid Chedid
Chairman and Group CEO
Since the launch of Chedid Capital Group in 1998, Farid Chedid has expanded the group into a leading investment powerhouse in the insurance and reinsurance industry, spanning a network of 82 subsidiaries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. With extensive operations in economically and geopolitically volatile regions, the Group has leaned on Farid’s long-term, structured, and agile approach to growth. In addition to Chedid Re, Chedid Capital Group’s strategic business units encompass Chedid Insurance Brokers and Ascoma Assureurs Conseils, which together form the largest insurance brokerage network in the Middle East and Africa region.
Farid’s foresight in identifying high-potential markets and growth opportunities, enduring client relationships, strategic partnerships with key players in the global insurance markets, and established credibility have been central to Chedid Re’s solid expansion. Under his leadership, Chedid Re has cemented its reputation as one of the world’s top 15 reinsurance brokers and as a registered Lloyd’s broker, its business originating from over 80 countries.
Through acquisitions and greenfield investments, Farid also established and scaled Chedid Insurance Brokers Network’s operations in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Lebanon, Mauritius, and Cyprus.
In 2021, Farid spearheaded the acquisition of Ascoma, the largest independent insurance brokerage and medical Third-Party Administrator network in sub-Saharan Africa, with a footprint spanning 23 countries.
He has equally expanded Chedid Capital Group’s risk-carrying business with the founding of Seib Insurance & Reinsurance in Qatar, Momentum Insurance Agents in the UAE, and Milestone Risk Solutions in the UK – all of which are specialized in underwriting large and complex risks.
His own leadership philosophy has centered on investing in human capital development and education for sustainable industry growth. He launched the Corporate Risk Management Institute (CRMI), which focuses on education and capacity building in Governance, Risk Management, Compliance and Insurance. With GRC being a fundamental pillar of Chedid Capital Group's market success and reputation, Farid's commitment to ethical leadership has cemented the group's credibility and trust with stakeholders.
In addition to his role at Chedid Capital Group, Farid sits on the board of several leading MENA companies both within and outside the insurance sector. He is also actively involved in philanthropic initiatives and organizations across the region, today serving as a member of the Board of Trustees at Notre Dame University, Lebanon; a member of the Board of Club des Entrepreneurs Monégasques en Afrique (CEMA); and a Fellow of the Middle East Leadership Initiative (MELI), which is a member of The Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN).
His industry contributions have been recognized with many accolades over the years, including being named among the “100 Inspiring Leaders in the Middle East” and “Dubai 100” by Arabian Business in 2023; “The MENA Lifetime Achievement Award” by Global Re and Dubai World Insurance Congress (DWIC) in 2020; and “The Middle East and Africa Industry Achiever of the year” by the Global Re and Strategic Risk consortium in 2016. He was also listed among the “Dubai 100: most influential people in the Emirate” in 2017 and 2018, the “100 Most Powerful Arabs” in 2018, and the “100 Arab Achievers” in 2017, 2018, 2019 by Arabian Business. In 2018, he was honored among the “35 Most Influential Lebanese Businessmen” by Forbes Middle East.
Farid is a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute of the UK and holds a master’s degree in Risk Management from the NYU Stern School of Business; an advanced master’s degree in Finance from ESCP Europe; a master’s degree in Finance from ESA Business School; and a master’s degree in Management from Université Paris IX Dauphine.
Rana Hafda
Group Chief of Staff
In her role as Chief of Staff at Chedid Capital Group, Rana provides strategic support to the Group CEO and senior leadership, helping ensure the organization operates effectively and remains aligned with its strategic priorities. Working closely with the CEO and Unit Heads, she facilitates coordination across functions, streamlines communication, and supports collaboration across the organization to keep teams aligned and moving forward.
Prior to her current role, Rana worked as a Risk Assessor at Middle East International Adjusters, where she gained extensive experience in risk evaluation and assessment.
Rana holds a Bachelor of Arts from the American University of Beirut.
Wassim Jawish
Group Chief Financial Officer
Wassim Jawish is Chief Financial Officer at Chedid Capital Group, overseeing finance, accounting and treasury activities. Prior to joining Chedid Capital Group in 2010, Wassim served as Regional Finance Manager at Rotana Holding in KSA, Finance Manager at Syrian Kuwaiti Insurance company in Syria and Budgeting and Financial Reporting Manager at Arabia Insurance company in Lebanon.
Wassim is a member of the Institute of Certified Management Accountants USA. He holds an MBA from the American University of Science & Technology and a Bachelor of Science from the State University of New York.
Karim Zarka
Executive Director
With over three decades of experience in commercial development and corporate strategy across the (re)insurance and other sectors, Karim currently serves as Executive Director at Chedid Capital Group. He also holds several senior leadership roles and managerial mandates across Chedid Capital Group entities, including as Board Member of Corporate Risk Management Institute (CRMI), Chedid & Associates Qatar and Chedid Insurance Brokers Egypt; and as Managing Director of Al Afaq Insurance Brokers in Qatar.
Since joining Chedid Capital Group in 2011, Karim has played a central role in strengthening the Group’s cross-border expansion and stakeholder engagement.
Prior to joining Chedid Capital Group, he held senior roles in the media and communications industry – including as CEO of Grey Group for over 12 years – where he managed large regional portfolios and scaled operations across MENA markets.
Karim holds a bachelor’s degree in international affairs from the Beirut University College.
Imad Jabbour
Chief Technology Officer
Imad Jabbour joined Chedid Capital Group in 2019 as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). He leads the group’s digital transformation strategy, and manages all technological resources and initiatives, including infrastructure, services, enterprise applications, and digital solutions. Prior to joining Chedid Capital Group, Imad worked close to 15 years in the fields of software engineering, product management, and technology innovation. He served as CTO of Mitsulift Group between 2015 and 2019. Previously, he held various leadership positions at eBay and Oracle in California’s Silicon Valley.
Imad holds a master’s degree in Information Systems from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and a bachelor’s degree in Computer and Communications Engineering from the American University of Beirut.
Chantal Abboud
Director of Human Resources
Chantal Abboud is the Director – Human Resources at Chedid Capital Group, where she oversees strategic HR initiatives across the group's operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Previously at Chedid Capital Group, Chantal served as Regional Talent Acquisition Manager, where she successfully led comprehensive talent acquisition strategies, workforce planning, and team management. She also took on a pivotal role as Head of Executive and Leadership Coaching, focusing on developing leadership capabilities, decision-making skills, and succession planning initiatives across the group. Her impactful leadership significantly advanced talent management practices and reinforced a culture of professional growth and coaching throughout the organization.
Chantal is a certified executive and leadership coach, accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF), and holds a diploma in Human Resources from the Business Training Center. Additionally, she contributes academically as a Leadership Instructor at Saint Joseph University in Beirut, delivering master's-level courses focused on leadership and self-development.
She holds both a master's degree and a bachelor's degree in social work from Saint Joseph University.
Marwan Kharsa
Group Internal Audit Director
Marwan is Group Internal Audit Director at the Governance, Risk & Compliance department at Chedid Capital Group, with over 15 years of experience in Enterprise Risk Management and Corporate Governance. Prior to joining the group, Marwan served as Group Head of Internal Audit at Barwa Real Estate Group and Senior Manager at Deloitte. Marwan holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the American University of Beirut and is a Certified Fraud Examiner.
Nathalie Ghaoui
General Counsel
Nathalie Ghaoui is General Counsel at Chedid Capital Group, bringing over 17 years of experience across corporate, financial, real estate, financing, labor, and commercial law. She also serves as a Board Member of Chedid Insurance Brokers Egypt.
Before joining Chedid Capital Group, Nathalie held legal positions in France and Lebanon, advising high-profile property investment funds, banks, and financial institutions on complex corporate transactions, real estate investments, and financing matters.
Nathalie holds a Degree in General Private Law from Saint Joseph University in Lebanon, a Postgraduate Degree in Notarial Practice, and a Diplôme Supérieur du Notariat from Paris II Panthéon-Assas University in France.