CHAPTER 6Entrepreneurs based in the United Kingdom, Europe
MOHED ALTRAD THE ALTRAD GROUP EY WORLD ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2015 FRANCE
Mohed’s life had an inauspicious, tough beginning. But in spite of being born in the worst of conditions, through his hunger for learning, tenacity, and determination, Mohed left his native Syria for France, where he earned his PhD and is now at the helm of the Altrad Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of scaffolding and cement mixers.
While Mohed’s true age is unknown – he says he “picked a date out of a hat” (March 9, 1948), so he could celebrate his birthday each year – he knows his life won’t last forever. He is now turning his focus toward succession planning, knowing that “there is one thing in life that is certain – we will disappear.”
For the past 10 years he has concentrated on how the group will carry on without him. Because of this preparation, “When I disappear there will be no trouble at all.” In the meantime, his experience compensates for his lack of energy as he grows older.
It is difficult to imagine a more unpromising start to life than that of Mohed Altrad. The founder and CEO of Altrad Group was born in the Syrian Desert to a 12-year-old Bedouin girl who had been raped. He doesn’t know his exact date of birth, but his mother died the day he was born and Mohed was raised by his grandmother.
He was destined ...
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