Born in Lebanon and educated at the American University of Beirut (AUB), Farid El-Khalil went on to receive a Diploma in Business Management from the London School of Foreign Trade to then complete “The Program for Management Development” at Harvard Business School.
Eventually migrating to Nigeria, Mr. El-Khalil joined the Seven-Up Bottling Company in1968 as their Plant Manager, a position he assumed until 1972 when the company promoted him to Marketing Director.
Via International College Lebanon
During his position as Marketing Director, a position he held until 1986, he led a successful expansion program of the company, assisting in the establishment of three new factories at Ikeja in Lagos, Ibadan in West Nigeria, and Kano in the north of the country.
In 1986, Mr. El-Khalil became the Managing Director of International Tobacco Co PLC, a joint venture with Philip Morris Inc., which is the world’s leading international tobacco company, with seven of the world’s top 15 brands. It includes Marlboro, the number one cigarette brand worldwide. In 1999, the international tobacco company was sold.
Farid El-Khalil’s commitment to Nigeria, as well as his massive influence upon the country’s success in multiple business ventures, prompted the King of the local tribes of Yoruba land of Western Nigeria to bestow the title of “Chief” upon him in 1999.
Since his ventures into business between Lebanon and Nigeria, Mr. El-Khalil has served as Director of Beirut Riyad Bank S.A.L., Lebanon; Director in Seven-Up Bottling Co., Nigeria; Director of Green Eagles Cork and Seals, Nigeria; Director of Sunglass Nigeria Limited, Nigeria; Director of Cavalier Hotel, Beirut; and Director of TIME Ltd Beirut.
Via International College Lebanon
In 2001, Mr. El-Khalil was appointed as Deputy Chairman of MAK Holdings,
an international company based in Lebanon and that builds partnerships with world-class local and multinational organizations, individual investors, project planners, and limited liability companies. He also currently serves as Chairman of the Human Resource Committee of the Board of MAK.
In 2003, Mr. El-Khalil and his family established the El-Khalil Foundation, a Non-Profit and Non-Governmental Organization. Its main purpose is to assist the people of Hasbaya District and the Southern region of Lebanon with various programs that can help them improve their conditions on personal, social and business levels.
Mr. Farid El-Khalil currently leads the foundation as its President, along with five other members of the board.
