Biography of Nassef Ansi Naguib Sawiris – Prominent Egyptian Businessman and Owner of Aston Villa Football Club
Full Name:
Nassef Ansi Naguib Sawiris
Date of Birth:
January 19, 1961 (63 years old)
Nationality:
Egyptian
Profession:
Business Tycoon, Chairman of Orascom Construction
Residence:
Egypt
Education:
University of Chicago - Bachelor's in Economics
German Evangelical Secondary School, Giza
St. Charles Borromeo German School, Cairo
Career Overview:
Nassef Sawiris is one of the wealthiest and most influential businessmen in Egypt. He is the Chairman of Orascom Construction, one of Egypt's leading construction and engineering firms. He inherited his entrepreneurial spirit from his father, Ansi Sawiris, the founder of the Orascom Group, a multinational conglomerate.
Sawiris holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Chicago and has successfully expanded his family's legacy in various sectors, including construction, real estate, and telecommunications. Under his leadership, Orascom Construction has become a leading player in the global construction industry, with significant projects in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
Notable Investments and Ventures:
Orascom Construction:
As Chairman, Sawiris has steered the company towards growth and diversification, establishing it as a major player in global construction and infrastructure projects.
Texas Industries Stake:
Sawiris and his family control 9.9% of Texas Industries, a major American manufacturer, which is a key part of his investment portfolio.
Aston Villa Football Club:
On July 20, 2018, Sawiris made headlines by acquiring 55% of Aston Villa, a prestigious English Premier League football club, adding a new dimension to his business empire.
Net Worth and Recognition:
Forbes estimated Sawiris’ net worth at $3.9 billion in 2007, and by 2015, his wealth had surged to $5.8 billion, making him the wealthiest businessman in Egypt at the time.
His fortune continued to grow, with Forbes estimating his wealth at $6.4 billion in March 2019 and rising to $7.9 billion in July 2019. This places him as one of the top 300 richest individuals globally.
Key Achievements:
Leading Orascom Construction into becoming a leading name in the construction and engineering industries.
Spearheading his family's investments in telecommunications and real estate, expanding the family's business reach internationally.
Acquiring Aston Villa FC, strengthening his influence in sports and entertainment.
Philanthropic Activities:
Sawiris is known for his involvement in charitable initiatives, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare, where he supports various programs designed to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged communities in Egypt.
Personal Life:
Father: Ansi Sawiris
Mother: Yosra Louza
Siblings: Naguib Sawiris, Samih Sawiris
Children: 4
Languages Spoken:
Native Language: Arabic
Other Languages: English
Summary:
Nassef Sawiris stands as a visionary business leader whose contributions to Egypt's economy have cemented his legacy. His strategic investments, leadership of Orascom Construction, and growing presence in sports and global markets make him a standout figure in the business world. His estimated net worth and ability to navigate complex industries underscore his influence both in Egypt and internationally.