Global Businessman Pascal Mouawad A Message of Hope for His Homeland, Lebanon

Since its inception in Beirut in 1890, Mouawad has been synonymous with "crafting the extraordinary" in the world of fine jewelry and watchmaking. With a legacy spanning over a century, the brand has earned a distinguished reputation for its commitment to artistry, craftsmanship, quality, and innovation. Mouawad’s exceptional expertise and passion for creating unique, iconic pieces have captivated royalty, high society, celebrities, and esteemed clients worldwide, solidifying its elite status and fueling its expansion across continents.

Pascal Mouawad, a Lebanese businessman from a distinguished family in the global jewelry industry, leads the renowned Mouawad maison alongside his brothers as part of its fourth generation of leadership. Building on the exceptional success of their father, Robert Mouawad, Pascal and his brothers have not only preserved the family legacy but have also played a key role in expanding and elevating the business, propelling it to new heights of success..

Despite his many achievements, Lebanon holds a special place in Pascal’s heart. When given the opportunity to design the Miss Lebanon crown, the Mouawad family enthusiastically took on the challenge, creating a stunning masterpiece featuring the Lebanese cedar—a symbol of hope that embodies the country's enduring beauty and resilience. The crown was designed by patriarch Robert Mouawad.

Pascal sat down with Spécial Madame Figaro in Lebanon for an exclusive interview, offering insights into his passion as a businessman. He shared his vision for the business and the leadership qualities that have driven the Maison to its esteemed global status. Renowned for creating extraordinary pieces and holding several Guinness World Records, Mouawad continues to expand its legacy across four and five generations, captivating new generations with its remarkable creations.

Once again, by designing the Miss Lebanon 2024 crown, you have demonstrated how deeply Lebanon, your homeland, remains connected to the heart of Mouawad International Jewelry House. Could you tell us more about your relationship with Lebanon, especially given that you live abroad?

I was born in Lebanon in 1972, but when the war broke out in 1975, my family emigrated, and my parents enrolled my brothers and I in a boarding school in Switzerland. I did not have the opportunity to truly reconnect with Lebanon until the late 1990s. However, my parents instilled a deep connection to our Lebanese roots from an early age.

Despite being raised abroad, they made sure we remained close to our heritage, not merely through family traditions but also by teaching us to speak Arabic, which allowed us to maintain a strong bond with our homeland. My bond with Lebanon has always been strong. Despite living abroad, I believe that the values and culture of my homeland have profoundly shaped the person that I am today.

Designing the Miss Lebanon crown was a way for my family to honor our deep connection to Lebanon, giving back to a nation that has always remained a part of our identity, despite the distance. The crown symbolizes the resilience, beauty, and strength of Lebanon—qualities my family has cherished and passed down through generations.

Tell us more about yourself

I was raised in Switzerland before relocating to Los Angeles, where I pursued my studies in gemology and graduated in 1996. Following my graduation, I joined my father in managing the Mouawad family business, furthering my involvement in the world of fine jewelry.

Did you choose this field out of a personal desire or with the aim of completing the family journey?

From a young age, my brothers and I were always involved in the business, knowing we were being prepared to eventually take on leadership roles at Mouawad. As a family business, it was a natural progression for us to carry on the legacy and guide the next generation, following in the footsteps of my father's success. We grew up understanding that continuing the family tradition was part of our journey. Today, my brothers and I proudly represent the fourth generation of Mouawad. With the recent involvement of my nephew Jimmy, Fred’s son, and my niece Anastasia, Alain’s daughter, the fifth generation is stepping in, bringing a fresh and modern perspective to the business.

What is the management method that you follow that has proven successful in managing one of the most important jewelry houses in the world?

At Mouawad, five key family members guide the company, following a co-guardianship model where we collectively shape the future strategy of the brand. However, day-to-day operations are managed by a specialized and integrated team, including a Group General Manager, group managers, and country managers. This structure allows us, as family members, to focus on our roles as ambassadors for Mouawad, building and strengthening relationships with clients and the media—an aspect we hold dear. Many of these clients have grown with the brand and have become like family to us.

We believe that successful management comes from placing the right people in the right roles and empowering them with the resources, authority, and responsibility they need to succeed. By equipping our managers and employees with the tools and capital to carry out their duties, and giving them decision-making power in their respective areas, we help them grow and gain valuable experience.

Their performance is regularly assessed through reports and the positive impact their decisions have on business operations. In addition, we are committed to fostering a healthy and motivating work environment for our team. We ensure they have everything they need to feel inspired, as we believe a happy and well-supported team consistently delivers their best work. This company culture has been at the heart of Mouawad since its founding and remains a cornerstone of our success today.

In your opinion, what is the secret behind your success as a family in managing Mouawad, especially since you have proven that a family business can achieve great global success?

The secret behind our success as a family in business lies in several key factors. First and foremost, we have a strong sense of unity and shared purpose. From generation to generation, we have maintained a commitment to our family's legacy while adapting to the changing times. Each of us respects the roles and responsibilities we take on, allowing us to work collaboratively while maintaining our individual strengths.

Another vital aspect is the co-guardianship model we follow, where we collectively shape the strategic direction of Mouawad. This approach ensures that we make decisions together, with the long-term success of the business and family in mind. Trust, transparency, and open communication are essential, enabling us to navigate challenges and opportunities as a united front.

We also understand the importance of empowering a talented management team to handle day-to-day operations. This allows us, as family members, to focus on our roles as ambassadors for the brand and foster strong relationships with clients, many of whom have been with us for generations.

Finally, our deep-rooted values, commitment to quality, and dedication to preserving our family tradition while embracing innovation have all been fundamental to our continued success.

To what extent do you feel, today, a great responsibility and pride in carrying, along with your brothers, this great legacy?

Today, I feel an immense sense of responsibility and pride in carrying forward this great legacy alongside my brothers. The Mouawad name represents over a century of craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication, and continuing that tradition is both an honor and a challenge. We are not only preserving the work of previous generations, especially the vision and success of our father, but also shaping the future for the next generation, ensuring the business remains relevant and thriving in an ever-evolving world.

The weight of this legacy pushes us to maintain the highest standards in everything we do, from creating exceptional pieces of jewelry to nurturing relationships with clients who have trusted our family for decades. At the same time, it fills us with pride knowing we are part of something much larger than ourselves—a brand that stands for excellence and timeless beauty, with deep roots and a bright future.

Carrying this legacy alongside my brothers brings a sense of shared purpose, and together we are committed to upholding the values that have defined Mouawad while continuing to innovate and expand the brand’s horizons.

We have always known the creative Robert Mouawad for his passion for his work and his creativity in designing the most beautiful and unique jewelry.

We have always admired Robert Mouawad for his extraordinary creativity and deep passion for crafting exquisite, one-of-a-kind jewelry. First and foremost, he is a visionary designer with a true love for jewelry and an exceptional eye for detail, consistently producing artistic masterpieces with remarkable passion and precision. It is uncommon for someone to excel both as an artist and as a successful businessman, but my father has achieved remarkable success in both areas, balancing his artistic talents with strong business acumen.

Tell us about the crown of Miss Lebanon Nada Koussa with, which was designed by the creative Robert Mouawad?

When we approached him to design the Miss Lebanon 2024 crown, he was thrilled by the opportunity. He poured all his artistry, unique creativity, and deep affection for his homeland into the project. Robert meticulously hand-drew the design, incorporating the Lebanese cedar and the colors of the Lebanese flag, using the finest diamonds and most precious stones to create a truly exceptional piece.

What did you learn most from your father?

He was a true inspiration to my brothers and me when it came to managing the business. His relentless dedication to his work, coupled with his meticulous attention to detail, ensured that every strategy and expansion effort was thoroughly planned and executed. He provided us with the tools for success, from supporting our education at top universities to imparting his extensive experience in the industry.

You have moved to many countries around the world. What have you gained from communicating and living with different nationalities and cultures?

Having lived in Europe, America, and the Gulf, I consider myself truly global, which is essential for managing an international business. Immersing myself in diverse cultures has broadened my perspective and enhanced my ability to understand and meet the needs of people from different backgrounds, particularly in negotiations. This experience allows me to tailor my approach to align with the viewpoints of those I engage with. While I hold dual citizenship, I take immense pride in my Lebanese heritage and deeply value the unique beauty and rich distinctiveness of my homeland.

In which part of the Mouawad jewelry empire do you find yourself most?

I find myself most connected to the strategic aspects of the Mouawad jewelry business. I am deeply involved in shaping the overall direction of the business, ensuring that we honor our family’s legacy while driving innovation and growth.

What is your inspiration for designing these unique pieces?

Inspiration can come from many sources and influences around us. For example, we are preparing to launch a new jewelry collection called “Wings of Wonders”, inspired by the beauty of butterflies. We’ve also introduced the “Sun on the 7 Wonders” collection, with designs inspired by the seven wonders of the world, including pieces that reflect the Petra region in Jordan.

How did the story of Mouawad begin with crown designing, then becoming amongst the most important houses specializing in that today?

Our journey into crown design started through our close collaboration with the Miss Universe organization, where we reached an agreement to create their crowns. This later allowed us to expand our work to design crowns for beauty queens in various countries.

Crown design has always been a key part of our expertise, with my father designing crowns for numerous royal families around the world. This year, we had the privilege of partnering with the Miss Lebanon pageant. For us, it’s essential that each crown embodies a distinct concept. The Miss Lebanon crown symbolizes hope and celebrates the intelligence, talent, and aspirations of young Lebanese women.

Tell us more about the idea you started with in order to implement the Miss Lebanon crown.

Given the challenging conditions faced by the Lebanese people, we wanted to offer a sense of hope to Lebanese women. We chose the cedar, a symbol of strength and resilience, to represent this hope and inspire them to showcase Lebanon’s remarkable heritage and the unique qualities of its people. The crown is designed to make Miss Lebanon a representative of Lebanese civilization and a testament to the beauty and intelligence of Lebanese women. My father, who designed the crown with profound love for Lebanon, ensured that it incorporated the colors of the Lebanese flag and prominently featured the cedar tree at its center.

How much time and effort did it take to work on the crown?

The process took about five months. The crown features 400 carats of diamonds, rubies, and emeralds.

Is it possible for us to see a museum of the crowns that you created?

The Robert Mouawad Museum currently exists, and we are considering adding a section dedicated solely to our crowns.

After Mouawad became a symbol of luxury jewelry in many countries around the world, what is your next goal?

Our next goal is to explore new markets. We have recently made notable progress in Asia with the opening of a new branch in Hong Kong, and we are now focused on further expanding our presence in the region. While we take pride in these accomplishments, we remain dedicated to continuous growth and development, aiming to establish a presence in all key luxury destinations. Ongoing progress is vital for any company to stay relevant and attractive to its clientele.

From your point of view, what distinguishes Mouawad jewelry and makes it the focus of many stars from all over the world?

From my perspective, what truly distinguishes Mouawad jewelry is our dedication to exceptional craftsmanship, timeless design, and the use of the finest materials. Each piece is a masterpiece, meticulously crafted to tell a story, blending artistic heritage with modern innovation. Our attention to detail, along with a deep commitment to creating one-of-a-kind, exquisite pieces, ensures that every item embodies luxury, elegance, and exclusivity.

For many stars around the world, this combination of artistry and exclusivity is irresistible. Celebrities are drawn to the uniqueness of Mouawad jewelry because it allows them to make a bold, personal statement while wearing something truly extraordinary. Our legacy, built over more than a century, also plays a role in attracting global icons. They value the history and tradition behind the brand, knowing that when they choose Mouawad, they are wearing a piece of fine art that represents the pinnacle of luxury.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being one of the heirs of Mouawad?

Being one of the heirs of Mouawad comes with both advantages and challenges.

Advantages:

Heritage and Legacy: One of the greatest privileges is being part of a renowned family legacy. Mouawad is synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and prestige, and it's an honor to carry that tradition forward.

Established Reputation: The brand’s global reputation opens doors in the industry, making it easier to build relationships with clients, partners, and industry leaders.

Creative Freedom: As heirs, we have the unique opportunity to shape the future of the brand, blending innovation with tradition while making decisions that can influence the jewelry world.

Global Impact: Working with a prestigious brand allows us to have a broad, international influence, connecting with clients and celebrities from all over the world and contributing to the global luxury market

Family Values: Being part of a family-run business instills a strong sense of unity, shared goals, and a deep commitment to maintaining the company’s values and heritage.

Disadvantages:

High Expectations: With such a long-standing legacy, there’s constant pressure to live up to and exceed the expectations of our predecessors and to ensure the brand remains at the forefront of the luxury market.

Public Scrutiny: Being part of a well-known family brand means being in the public eye, with every move and decision subject to scrutiny. This can add pressure to always perform at the highest level.

Balancing Tradition and Innovation: While it’s important to respect the family’s heritage, there is also a need to innovate and evolve in an ever-changing market, which can sometimes create tension between tradition and modernity.

Responsibility: The responsibility of maintaining and growing a globally recognized brand can be immense. It requires a delicate balance between business management, creative direction, and preserving the family’s legacy.

Family Dynamics: Working closely with family members can present its own set of challenges, as personal and professional boundaries sometimes blur. However, strong communication and shared vision help us navigate these dynamics.

Ultimately, the advantages far outweigh the challenges, and being part of Mouawad is both a privilege and a responsibility that we embrace with great pride

When you want to escape from the pressures of work, where do you go?

When I need to escape the pressures of work, I often retreat to exotic islands, drawn by my deep love for the sea. Another passion of mine is shooting, which I practice numerous times a month, usually in remote locations where I can focus on target practice. In the winter, I am an avid skier and frequently head to Courchevel or Aspen, Colorado.

In addition to these activities, I dedicate time each day to reading and am an active member of YPO (Young President’s Organization).

When you are in Lebanon, what place do you visit frequently?

I have a particular fondness for Broumana. We own the Grand Hills Hotel there, which we unfortunately had to close due to the crisis. However, we are currently working on reopening it.

It is said that dealing with women is very difficult, what do you think of that?

The idea that dealing with women is inherently difficult is more of a stereotype than a reality. In my experience, every individual, regardless of gender, has their own unique qualities, perspectives, and communication styles. Effective communication, mutual respect, and understanding are key in any relationship—whether personal or professional.

When it comes to working with women, I’ve found that they bring a tremendous amount of creativity, attention to detail, and emotional intelligence to the table. These qualities often enhance collaboration and lead to more thoughtful decision-making. In fact, diversity in any team—gender, background, or experience—can foster richer ideas and stronger outcomes.

Challenges in relationships, whether with men or women, usually come from misunderstandings or differences in approach. The key is to adapt and find common ground, appreciating the strengths and perspectives that each person brings. So, rather than focusing on difficulty, I believe it’s about how we approach relationships and value the unique qualities in others.

Who is the beautiful woman in your opinion?

In my opinion, true beauty goes beyond physical appearance. A beautiful woman is someone who exudes confidence, intelligence, and kindness. She carries herself with grace and is passionate about what she does, showing strength and resilience in the face of challenges. Her inner qualities—such as compassion, integrity, and the ability to inspire others—are what truly make her stand out. Beauty, to me, is a combination of elegance, authenticity, and a genuine spirit that shines from within.

Where is love in the life of Pascal Mouawad, the most famous and handsome bachelor?

I am not married yet, but love holds great importance in my life; it feels incomplete without both giving and receiving love. I see starting a family as a beautiful and fulfilling experience. Having grown up in a close-knit, loving family, I truly value the nurturing environment my parents provided. Their 57 years of happy marriage is something I deeply admire, especially in an era where divorce rates continue to rise.

It might be hard to find a woman like your mother with her beauty and dedication to her family.

It may be difficult to find a woman like my mother, who embodies both beauty and an unwavering dedication to her family. She perfectly exemplifies the saying, "behind every great man is a great woman." Her steadfast support and positive influence were instrumental in my father's success, and she has stood by him through every challenge and triumph.

What should the woman who Pascal admires be like?

The woman I admire should understand the nature of my work and lifestyle, offering support for my career just as I will support and encourage her in pursuing her own ambitions. A successful partnership is built on mutual respect, where we complement each other and appreciate the demands of busy schedules and frequent travel. Above all, she should embody a balance of grace and depth, reflecting values and interests that resonate with mine.