Mohed Altrad, a French-Syrian billionaire businessman, rugby chairman, and writer, was born circa March 1948 in Raqqa, Syria. His early life was marked by tragedy and hardship; after the death of his mother when he was just four years old, he was entrusted to his grandparents, who raised him in a Bedouin tent. Despite the challenges he faced, including limited resources and familial expectations, Mohed’s determination to pursue education drove him to attend school secretly against his grandmother’s wishes.
After excelling in his studies, he passed the baccalaureate at the age of 17, which earned him a scholarship from the Syrian government to study in France. He pursued higher education at Paris Dauphine University, obtaining a diploma in Information Technology and Management in 1975. His move to France marked the beginning of a transformative journey.
Mohed’s professional career began with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. However, in 1985, he decided to take a bold step into entrepreneurship by acquiring a struggling scaffolding company in France. This pivotal decision laid the foundation for the Altrad Group, which has since grown into a leading global enterprise in scaffolding and industrial services, employing over 22,000 people worldwide as of 2016. Under his leadership, the Altrad Group has become a significant player in the construction sector, with revenues reaching approximately $5.8 billion.
In addition to his business acumen, Altrad is also a passionate supporter of rugby. He took on the role of chairman of Montpellier Hérault Rugby, significantly influencing the club’s success and visibility in the sport. His contributions to rugby extend beyond financial support, as he actively engages with the community and promotes the sport in France.
Despite his impressive accomplishments, Altrad’s journey has not been without controversy. In December 2022, he received an 18-month suspended sentence and a €50,000 fine after being found guilty of corruption related to sponsorship deals involving the French Rugby Federation. Altrad maintains that he did not intend to gain any illicit favors and plans to focus on his business endeavors.
Mohed Altrad is also an accomplished author, having published three acclaimed novels and various essays on management and leadership. His literary works include “Badawi,” “L’hypothèse de Dieu,” and “La Promesse d’Annah,” which reflect his unique perspective shaped by his extraordinary life experiences.
Altrad’s life story is a testament to resilience and ambition. From his humble beginnings as an orphaned Bedouin, he has emerged as a formidable entrepreneur and influential figure in both the business and sports worlds. In 2015, he was recognized as the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year, underscoring his status as an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs.
Today, Mohed Altrad continues to lead the Altrad Group and engages with various initiatives to promote sports, education, and entrepreneurship, leaving an indelible mark on both the business landscape and the communities he serves.
