Early Life
Robert Mouawad's journey began in the 1940s in Lebanon, where he was born into a family with a heritage in luxury timepieces. His grandfather, David Mouawad, laid the foundation for the Mouawad jewelry business in 1890 in Beirut. The family's relocation to Saudi Arabia in 1950 marked the initial expansion of the business. Robert was not the eldest son, but his status as unmarried allowed him to focus more on the business.
Rise to Success
Robert took over the family business in the early 1970s, which at that time was primarily jewelry. Under Robert's leadership, the company expanded its reach from the regional to the global level. In 1972, he moved the Mouawad headquarters to Geneva, Switzerland, during a time of major advancements in the Swiss watchmaking industry. He was a risk-taker, taking the innovative steps necessary to internationalize the business. He expanded the business by broadening his knowledge through exhaustive research into art, craftsmanship, and state-of-the-art technology. His tenure as CEO was characterized by company growth, expansion, and the family's permanent quest for perfection.
Key Business Strategies
Robert’s key strategy was to expand the business geographically and diversify the product line. Mouawad established a presence in Europe, Asia, and North America, which led to international acclaim. Robert also focused on acquiring some of the world's largest diamonds at auction, which increased the company's visibility. The company diversified into luxury watch production in the early 1990s.
Philanthropy
Mouawad's philanthropy is demonstrated through the Mouawad Diamond Impact Fund, which supports communities from which Mouawad sources its diamonds. They also have a 'Hand in Hand' initiative under the Robert Mouawad Foundation. The program partners with charities to support underprivileged children through the sale of specially made bracelets. These initiatives reflect the company's commitment to giving back to the community and adding value to the journey of diamonds.