Marwan Kheireddine has never been one to shy away from a challenge. Growing up in Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War, which lasted from 1975 to 1990, Marwan Kheireddine learned early on the importance of education, hard work, and unity in his homeland. 

Although his family was one of the fortunate ones who could escape the war-torn land due to a family business in Europe, Lebanon was never far from Marwan Kheireddine's mind. 

Known for its rich archaeological history, resilient spirit, and glamorous nightlife culture, Lebanon's abundant mountainous terrain and lush Mediterranean waters have long been a favored hot spot for celebrities such as Ricky Martin, Angelina Jolie, Sir Richard Branson, and Shakira, who has Lebanese paternal roots. In 2020, actor Keanu Reeves - who was born in Beirut - was one of many celebrities who stepped up to support the Lebanese Red Cross after a blast of stored ammonium nitrate killed more than 217 people and injured 7,000 others. 

Learning To Be a Leader in Lebanon

During his childhood days in Lebanon, Marwan Kheireddine was a nature-loving Boy Scout who craved adventure in the verdant countryside. He admits if he didn't go into finance, he would likely be growing olives in his hometown. Marwan Kheireddine honed some of his earliest leadership skills as a Boy Scout. 

"I really learned my first leadership skills by being a Boy Scout," Marwan Kheireddine says. "When I was a kid, I was a Boy Scout for quite a number of years and I went up the ranks. I started as a Cub Scout and went all the way to a troop leader and then to the highest rank. So at a very young age, that instilled some leadership qualities in me on how to motivate a team, how to manage people, and to know how to talk to people."

Nurturing Marwan Kheireddine's Love for Nature

Ever since his years as a scout, Marwan Kheireddine still feels most comfortable immersed in nature. The avid hiker and hunter has been known to team up with a guide and walk in the wilderness for up to eight hours a day. "I absolutely love nature," he says. "I was introduced to hunting at around 7 or 8 years old and it was always in my background."

Hunting for the next big business endeavor also remains in Marwan Kheireddine's blood.  In 2000, after the forward-thinking entrepreneur met with billionaire Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, at his London offices, the two teamed up; the next year, Marwan Kheireddine introduced Virgin Megastores to Lebanon. There was even talk at one point of collaborating on an airline in the region, but Kheireddine says the project never got off the ground due to geopolitical reasons. 

"Launching Virgin created a lot of jobs in Lebanon," says Kheireddine, who helped alleviate unemployment throughout Lebanon. "This is something that has always been important to me." He made the leap from business magnate to politician look easy: From July 2011 to February 2014, he served as the Lebanese minister of state. Today, Kheireddine is the AM Bank chairman of the board and CEO. 

Investing in Lebanon's Future

Kheireddine also played a key part in the passing of BDL Intermediary Circular 331, a regulation geared toward sustainable economic growth by backing entrepreneurs. AM Bank has since launched YOUTHinc., an initiative to help budding entrepreneurs in Lebanon. "We're determined to effectively contribute to the Lebanese economy, support the young generation and stimulate the establishment of startup companies, as they are the backbone of the economy and the main creators of jobs, all of which will positively limit and reverse the current brain drain that Lebanon is facing," Kheireddine stated in an AM Bank press release. "When these young minds have a solid platform and the appropriate support, they would be able to play and compete on a global level." 

The Art of the Matter

In addition to expanding Lebanon's business economy, Kheireddine is an avid supporter of Lebanese art. He's a collector of Mustafa Farroukh's work, according to Executive magazine. He began collecting pieces from the Beirut-born artist more than 20 years ago. "Someone told me that he was the art teacher at my school, at International College [in Beirut], so I started buying some [of his works] here and there," says Kheireddine, who attended International College from 1981 to 1986. He then went on to collect war-themed pieces from Lebanese artists. Some Lebanese art, especially the vibrant works of Aref Rayess, remains underrated in the art world. "Some Lebanese painters have not yet achieved their worth," Kheireddine says. "Art is a safe investment, but liquid. So if you sell it quickly you will lose value. It is a good place to store your money over time, provided you can identify good art." 

Marwan Kheireddine, the Educator

Outside of his business dealings, perhaps Kheireddine's most valuable investment remains in Lebanon's youth. The father of four spent 20 years teaching finance at the American University of Beirut. He's a founding member of the Young Arab Leaders and a major contributor to academic research in Lebanon. He's also led various leadership workshops for students. His adventure as a professor began serendipitously after he attempted to use the library at the American University of Beirut, but was initially denied access. A conversation with the dean of the business school led to him teaching an introductory course on finance. Kheireddine immediately found the experience gratifying and ended up designing a commercial banking course that is still taught today. Kheireddine walked away from his teaching gig but plans to return to it when he retires someday. "I'm sure I'll go back to teaching," he confides, "because I loved it."