The University is honored to welcome MP Fouad Makhzoumi as the guest speaker for the 2025 Commencement Ceremony.
A prominent Lebanese businessman, philanthropist, and parliamentarian, he is the founder and Secretary General of the National Dialogue Party and has twice served in the Lebanese Parliament. He is the Executive Chairman and CEO of Future Pipe Industries Group—a global leader in composite pipe systems—and also leads Future Group Holdings, a diversified business conglomerate.
In 1997, he and his wife May established the Makhzoumi Foundation, a leading Lebanese NGO dedicated to self-sufficiency through vocational training, healthcare, micro-credit, and youth programs. The following year, they expanded their mission globally through Makhzoumi Foundation (USA) Inc.
He holds a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University, where he also completed his undergraduate studies, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters by the Lebanese American University in 2016.
A steadfast advocate for economic reform and interfaith dialogue, he has contributed to major global forums including the Council on Foreign Relations, the Trilateral Commission, and the International Desalination Association, where he served as President from 1995 to 1997. In Parliament, his work has focused on finance, infrastructure, and foreign affairs through various committee roles.
His humanitarian and civic achievements have earned international recognition, including:
- Commander of the Order of Merit, Republic of Italy (2013)
- Commander of the Order of Civil Merit, Kingdom of Spain (2019)
- UNESCO’s Heroes of the Global Campaign Against Extremism and Intolerance (2018)
- Global Business & Interfaith Peace Award (Rio de Janeiro, 2016)
- And many more from institutions across Canada, the U.S., Europe, and the Arab world
Through philanthropic endowments and academic initiatives—such as the Rami Makhzoumi Chair in Corporate Governance at AUB and the Fouad Makhzoumi Center for Innovation at LAU—he continues to champion education, entrepreneurship, and civil society.
His life and work reflect true leadership, innovation, and service to humanity.
Biography
Fouad Makhzoumi is a Lebanese businessman, philanthropist, and Member of Parliament known for his unwavering commitment to advancing education, social development, and national sovereignty in Lebanon. As a reformist political figure, Makhzoumi has consistently advocated for the establishment of a sovereign, independent Lebanese state governed by transparent institutions, justice, and the rule of law. His work, both in the private and public sectors, reflects a deep-rooted belief in the power of good governance, innovation, and social responsibility.
Early Life and Education
Fouad Makhzoumi was born in Beirut in 1952. He completed his early education at the International College in Beirut, where he obtained his Lebanese Baccalaureate. In 1975, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University in the United States, followed by a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the same university in 1976.
Professional Career
In 1981, Fouad Makhzoumi founded Future Pipe Industries, a company that has grown into a global leader in the manufacturing of fiberglass pipe systems. Under his visionary leadership, the company has expanded its presence across multiple continents, serving industries such as oil and gas, water, and industrial sectors. Today, Future Pipe Industries operates in more than 50 countries and employs thousands of people, contributing significantly to sustainable infrastructure development worldwide.
Makhzoumi’s business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit have been widely recognized. He has served in various leadership positions, including as Executive Chairman of Future Group Holdings and President of the International Desalination Association (1995–1997). His expertise in industrial development and economic policy continues to inform his political and philanthropic initiatives.
Philanthropy and the Makhzoumi Foundation
Driven by a deep sense of social responsibility, Fouad Makhzoumi and his wife, May Makhzoumi, founded the Makhzoumi Foundation in 1997. The foundation aims to empower Lebanese citizens by providing access to vocational training, healthcare, microcredit services, and educational programs. Through its numerous branches and partnerships with international organizations, the foundation has impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands across Lebanon, promoting self-reliance, dignity, and social cohesion.
In 2003, Makhzoumi also established the Future Millennium Foundation in the United Kingdom, which focuses on enhancing intercultural dialogue, social justice, and youth empowerment in Europe and the Arab world. His efforts to bridge divides and foster global understanding have earned him numerous accolades and invitations to speak at international forums.
Political Career
Fouad Makhzoumi entered the Lebanese political arena with a firm belief in the necessity of systemic reform and national unity. He ran for parliamentary elections in 2000 and 2009 before being elected as a Member of Parliament for Beirut in the 2018 elections. Representing the Beirut II district, Makhzoumi has been a vocal advocate for sovereignty, anti-corruption, and the modernization of Lebanon’s political institutions.
As a reformist MP, he has played a crucial role in proposing and supporting legislation aimed at economic revitalization, government transparency, and the protection of civil liberties. His parliamentary work reflects a commitment to placing national interest above political partisanship.
Makhzoumi is also the founder of the National Dialogue Party, which seeks to promote dialogue among Lebanon’s diverse communities, foster inclusive governance, and uphold the principles of national sovereignty and constitutional law.
Commitment to Sovereignty and National Identity
Throughout his political and philanthropic career, Fouad Makhzoumi has remained steadfast in his defense of Lebanon’s sovereignty and constitutional identity. He envisions a Lebanon governed by independent institutions, where justice and the rule of law prevail, and where the economy thrives under a free and democratic system. His public statements and parliamentary initiatives consistently reflect these ideals, as he calls for the elimination of corruption, the disarmament of non-state actors, and the establishment of a merit-based, technocratic governance model.
Recognition and International Engagement
Makhzoumi’s contributions to industry, philanthropy, and public service have been recognized globally. He has received numerous awards for his humanitarian work and has participated in international conferences on development, peacebuilding, and interfaith dialogue. His ability to bridge the worlds of business, civil society, and politics underscores his unique role as a global citizen dedicated to Lebanon’s renaissance.
Personal Life
Fouad Makhzoumi is married to May Makhzoumi, who is also deeply involved in philanthropic and humanitarian work. Together, they have championed numerous causes related to education, youth empowerment, women’s rights, and social justice.