The words of this great art lover and philanthropist are rare. These appearances too. Philippe Jabre, CEO of Jabre Capital Partners SA, is ranked by Forbes magazine among the greatest French and Swiss fortunes. This famous asset manager delivers his thoughts to Le Figaro.
LE FIGARO. – Describe Philippe Jabre to us in two sentences… Philippe JABRE. – Philippe Jabre finds it strange that Philippe Jabre speaks of himself in the third person. (He laughs then thinks for a long moment.) More seriously, from his departure from Lebanon as a teenager to continue his studies abroad to his career in wealth management, an extremely competitive and fierce field, Philippe Jabre considers his career to be the fruit of many successes and a few failures. It is a continuum where success has always been intertwined with setbacks, feeding off one and the other.
Why, in the 2000s, did the press nickname you the “legend of finance” or the “king of the City”? Every time things went bad, I always bounced back and the funds I managed won awards on several occasions over a period of more than twenty years. This is probably what led an American newspaper, if memory serves, to nickname me “the invincible man.” From then on, the myth was born…
Regrets ? Not really. Looking in the rearview mirror, there were times when maybe I should have been a little more careful. And again, I’m not sure. I am a man of challenges.
The Lebanese beer Almaza that your grandfather launched in 1933 was bought by Heineken in 2003. You became its owner again in 2021, is this your new challenge? Yes, it’s a new challenge but it fits into my vision of continuity. I have always been convinced that it was essential to offer employment opportunities to my compatriots on their land. The purchase of this century-old brewery, created by my grandfather, represents a mixture of professional expertise and deep emotion. In Lebanon, Almaza is a very renowned brand, and it was unthinkable for me to let it decline.
So it was the heart that spoke? Analyzing this acquisition, I think that the emotional and family aspect inevitably played a role, but that’s not all. As a businessman, I also saw an opportunity. And even if, following the events in Israel and the current security conditions, our factory is operating at a more moderate pace, my investment should not be seen simply as a gesture. For me, Almaza must embody hope and bring a positive breath to Lebanon.
If I give you a hundred euros. What do you do with it? Without hesitation, they will be donated to my foundation. A.P.J. whose mission is to facilitate access to education and health for Lebanese people in precarious situations. In 25 years, my foundation has contributed to the university education of more than 20,000 students both in Lebanon and abroad. Education provides the tools necessary to understand social, political and economic issues, thus promoting informed citizen participation.
If Lebanon were a color, what would it be and why? I could say green like our cedar. But I think Lebanon is red. Red is life.
Which word do you like best and which one do you hate? I like the word “resilient”…like a reed. On the other hand, the word I don’t like is “resilience”. In reality, I don’t hate it, I don’t understand it. Too many people wrap themselves in this word excessively, which tends to numb ideas and anesthetize solutions.
Are you still on the solution side? Problems often disappear in the face of solutions.
Are you more inspired by Elon Musk or Pope Francis? They are two influential figures who, each in their own way, open up perspectives. Pope Francis’ message is deeply enlightening to me. He represents a progressive voice within the Church. Compared to some of his predecessors, he is writing a new page in our history by emphasizing values such as social justice, inclusiveness and environmental protection. Elon Musk embodies the visionary spirit and anticipates future challenges by pushing the limits. Its bold vision for space exploration, renewable energy and cutting-edge technologies is crucial to tackling the complex challenges facing our world.
Your bedside book ? A work on Ikigai, the Japanese method for giving meaning to one’s life.
So you have found an answer to: “Why do I get up in the morning and why is my life worth living?” I don’t have THE answer but I stand up to try to contribute positively to helping others… And I hope to do it as long as possible.
“You give, but very little. When you give of your possessions” wrote a poet. Does this resonate with you? You cite one of the Lebanese authors who is in my pantheon. Khalil Gibran, whose hundredth anniversary of his masterpiece “The Prophet” is being celebrated this year, has marked and continues to captivate millions of readers around the world. He is so right. Giving goes well beyond the financial aspect itself, which is nothing but an instrument allowing us to achieve a deeper objective. I am convinced that everything changes when we realize the impact that our presence can have on those who need it. Understanding the power of the word “presence” is essential. In each moment of presence, emotions are shared, bonds are strengthened and relationships become meaningful.
You are one of the greatest orientalist collectors. How did this passion come to you? From my student years to my professional career, I spent a lot of time abroad, quickly feeling nostalgic for my native country. I began to collect fragments of Lebanon’s history through the works of painters, writers, sculptors and photographers who, over the decades, have captured the essence of this country. It has always fascinated me to see, read and contemplate the evolution of my country through the eyes and art of other people.
Finish this sentence: “It’s very rare when I talk about myself, but… …I am very happy to have raised a hundred euros for our foundation, they will be well used. Thank you for your presence.”
