Miriem Bensalah Chaqroun: The Trailblazing Moroccan Businesswoman Redefining Leadership
Miriem Bensalah-Chaqroun stands as a beacon of entrepreneurial success in Morocco, seamlessly blending academic excellence with business acumen to emerge as a formidable force in the corporate world.
Early Life and Academic Pursuits
Born in 1962 into a prominent business family in Casablanca, Morocco, Bensalah-Chaqroun was introduced to the world of commerce early on. Her father, Abdelkader Bensalah, was the founder of the Holmarcom conglomerate, a diversified group with interests spanning various sectors. This familial backdrop undoubtedly influenced her career trajectory. She pursued higher education at esteemed institutions, earning degrees from both the École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris and the University of Dallas between 1980 and 1986.
Professional Ascendancy
Upon completing her studies, Bensalah-Chaqroun joined the family enterprise, Holmarcom, in 1986. Her initial role involved administrative responsibilities, but her vision and leadership qualities soon propelled her to more significant positions. By 1990, she was at the helm of Les Eaux Minérales d’Oulmès, a subsidiary of Holmarcom specializing in bottled water production. Under her stewardship, the company witnessed substantial growth, solidifying its position in the Moroccan market.
Breaking Barriers
Bensalah-Chaqroun’s influence extends beyond corporate boardrooms. In 2012, she made history by becoming the first woman to preside over the Confédération Générale des Entreprises du Maroc (CGEM), Morocco’s leading business federation. Her tenure, which lasted until 2018, was marked by initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and enhancing the global competitiveness of Moroccan enterprises.
Global Recognition and Contributions
Her leadership and contributions have not gone unnoticed on the international stage. In 2017, she was appointed as a director of Renault, further cementing her status as a global business leader. Additionally, her efforts in promoting women’s entrepreneurship led to her participation in the 2017 G20 Hamburg summit, where she collaborated with global leaders to launch the World Bank’s Women’s Entrepreneur Finance Initiative.
Personal Endeavors
Beyond her professional commitments, Bensalah-Chaqroun is a woman of diverse interests. She is a licensed pilot and has a passion for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, embodying a spirit of adventure and resilience. Balancing her roles as a business leader, wife, and mother of three, she exemplifies the multifaceted nature of modern leadership.
Conclusion
Miriem Bensalah-Chaqroun’s journey is a testament to the impact of visionary leadership, dedication, and the seamless integration of traditional values with modern business practices. Her story continues to inspire many, both within Morocco and globally, showcasing the heights that can be achieved through perseverance and innovation.