Christine Assouad
Founder & CEO, Dunkin Donuts Lebanon and Semsom,
Middle East/North Africa
Christine Assouad launched Dunkin’ Donuts in Lebanon almost two decades ago and continues to serve as CEO. With around 40+ locations, the operation is a success story and received several awards. She also worked with Dunkin’ Donuts in many international markets: Germany, Italy, Egypt, Syria and Jordan. In 2008, Semsom was born, a traditional Lebanese restaurant with a modern twist. Semsom is spreading Lebanese cuisine in Dubai, Ras el Kheymah, Muscat and Cairo.
Christine graduated with a BSc. Degree in Nutrition & Dietetics from AUB (Beirut), a MSc. in Food Science from McGill University (Montreal) , a Masters in Marketing from ESA (Beirut) and is part of many business organizations including YPO, LFA, RDCL, LLWB.
She was awarded the Middle East businesswomen of the year in 2011, became a fellow at the Culinary Institute of America in 2015 and was listed in the 100 most powerful Arab women by Arabian Business (Dubai) and Forbes Middle East since 2012.