Early Life
Nassef Sawiris was born in Aswan, Egypt, on January 19, 1961, into a Coptic Christian family. He received his secondary education at the Deutsche Evangelische Oberschule Kairo and earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Chicago in 1982. From an early age, he was exposed to entrepreneurship through his father, Onsi Sawiris, the founder of the Orascom Group.
Rise to Success
Sawiris joined the Orascom group in 1982 and oversaw the construction activities of Orascom Construction after his father transferred management control in 1995. He became CEO of Orascom Construction Industries following its incorporation in 1998. His strategic decisions included expanding internationally, entering the fertilizer production sector, and establishing OCI N.V. After selling assets, he is repositioning Orascom Construction as a major investor in US infrastructure projects.
Key Business Strategies
Sawiris has employed several key strategies throughout his career. These include building and monetizing businesses, such as the sale of Orascom Cement to Lafarge and a stake in TNK-BP. He has also focused on strategic investments, holding significant stakes in various companies, including Adidas and Madison Square Garden Sports, demonstrating a pattern of diversification and calculated risk-taking. He is also co-owner of Aston Villa Football Club. In late 2024, Nassef Sawiris is considering relocating his family office, NNS Group, from London to Abu Dhabi.
Philanthropy
Sawiris is committed to philanthropy, supporting educational and cultural initiatives in Egypt and abroad. He serves on the Board of Trustees at the University of Chicago and is a member of the Global Board of Advisors for the Council on Foreign Relations.