Alumni events

 More than 200 members of our ME Booz & Company family joined a cocktail reception to bid farewell to Charles El-Hage, on 3 April 2009 at the Linda Sursock Residence in Beirut. In this historic residence’s charming surroundings, staff, alumni, and senior partners—who came especially from Europe for the occasion—exchanged toasts and discussed the history and future of our firm in the Middle East.

Charles joined the firm in 1985 and has played an instrumental role in the establishment and growth of the Booz & Company Middle East practice. He led the way with the opening of the first office in Abu Dhabi in 1993 and was the key driving force behind the expansion of Booz & Company throughout the region. Today, Charles is a close advisor to many of the region’s top political and business leaders.

One of the best descriptions of Charles’s contribution comes from Dan Lewis’s letter, addressed to Charles on this occasion: “You showed me your passion, vision, and commitment to the Middle East and what you and the firm could achieve. With a fax machine, a one-room office, and wishes of good luck, you set about to build the most respected top management consultancy that the region will ever know. You also did it your way. You built clients that are also your friends... We are all proud of the Middle East and we thank you for making it happen.”

At the personal level, everyone praises Charles’s big heart and soul. He has always been there for support, advice, and mentoring. He believes in people, teaches real core values, and sets the best example on all fronts.

To Charles, for believing, trusting, and achieving—thank you!