Early Life
Robert Mouawad was born in the 1940s. He inherited the family's eponymous high-end jewelry business, which his grandfather founded in Beirut in 1890.
Rise to Success
Robert took over the reins of the family business, and expanded the brand internationally. He established a presence in Europe, Asia, and North America. He also expanded the business in the 1970s, selecting Geneva as the company's new base. Under his leadership, Mouawad boasts one of the world's most dazzling gem collections. He turned over management of the business to his sons Fred, Alain, and Pascal in 2010. Robert also owns real estate, including hotels in Beirut, and developed luxury residences on Reef Island in Bahrain.
Key Business Strategies
Robert Mouawad's success is attributed to a visionary approach and his ability to take risks. He broadened his knowledge through research into art, craftsmanship, and technology. He acquired some of the world's largest diamonds, securing his place in the history books as one of the diamond industry's biggest players.
Philanthropy
Robert Mouawad's philanthropy is demonstrated through the Robert Mouawad Foundation. The Mouawad Diamond Impact Fund, a philanthropic division of Mouawad, was established to improve the lives of underprivileged communities in diamond-producing countries. In 1997, the GIA moved to a new state-of-art facility in Carlsbad, California. Prior to its opening, the Mouawad brothers Fred, Alain, and Pascal made a donation in the name of their father to fund the new world headquarters, as a contribution to advance gemology research and education worldwide. As a result, the campus was named in honor of Robert Mouawad.
