Miriem Bensalah-Chaqroun

Introduction: A Trailblazer at the Helm of Moroccan Industry

Miriem Bensalah-Chaqroun stands as one of the most influential and respected figures in contemporary Moroccon Business & Economics. Renowned for her strategic acumen and steadfast leadership, she has carved a distinguished path through the nation's corporate landscape, most notably as the President CGEM (Confédération Générale des Entreprises du Maroc). Elected in 2018, she made history as the first woman to lead Morocco's most powerful employers' organization, a role where she champions private sector development, economic reform, and social dialogue. Her career, spanning decades at the apex of family-owned Conglomerates and national institutions, embodies the modern, dynamic, and globally integrated face of Moroccan enterprise. Miriem Bensalah-Chaqroun is not just a business leader; she is a symbol of transformative leadership and a key architect of Morocco's economic ambitions.

Early Life & Education: Forging a Foundation for Leadership

Born in 1962 into the prominent Bensalah family, Miriem Bensalah-Chaqroun was immersed in the world of business from an early age. The Bensalah group, with deep roots in industry and distribution, provided a natural environment for cultivating commercial understanding. This early exposure instilled in her a profound sense of responsibility and a long-term vision for sustainable business growth.

Her academic journey was meticulously crafted to equip her with world-class expertise. She pursued higher education in France, earning a degree in Economic Sciences from the University of Paris Dauphine, followed by a specialized diploma in Finance. This strong foundation in Business & Economics was further solidified with an MBA from the prestigious Institut Supérieur de Gestion (ISG) in Paris. This blend of rigorous French academic training and innate familiarity with the Moroccan commercial ecosystem uniquely positioned her to bridge international best practices with local market realities. These formative years were crucial in shaping the analytical, resilient, and forward-thinking leader she would become.

Career & Major Achievements: Steering Conglomerates and National Policy

The career of Miriem Bensalah-Chaqroun is a testament to strategic growth and institutional leadership. Her professional path is deeply intertwined with the development of the family-owned Holmarcom Group, a major Moroccan Conglomerate with interests in insurance, distribution, manufacturing, and real estate.

Leadership at Holmarcom Group

She ascended to the role of CEO of Holmarcom Group, where she oversaw a period of significant expansion and diversification. Under her guidance, the group solidified its flagship asset, Atlanta Sanad, a leading insurance company, and expanded its portfolio. Her tenure was marked by strategic acquisitions and a focus on operational excellence, reinforcing the group's stature as a pillar of the Moroccan private sector.

Historic Presidency of CGEM

Her most prominent national role began in 2018 when she was elected President CGEM. This election was a landmark moment for Morocco, breaking gender barriers at the highest level of economic representation. As president, her mandate has been vast and impactful:

• Economic Advocacy: She serves as the primary voice of Moroccan businesses, advocating for policies that improve the investment climate, simplify administration, and foster entrepreneurship.
• Social Dialogue: Bensalah-Chaqroun has been instrumental in mediating between government, labor unions, and employers, notably during critical periods like the COVID-19 pandemic, where she helped shape economic support measures.
• International Representation: She actively promotes Morocco as a competitive investment destination on global stages, engaging with international bodies and foreign business leaders.
• Focus on Sustainability & Inclusion: She has pushed for corporate social responsibility, green economy initiatives, and greater inclusion of women and youth in the economic fabric.

Corporate Governance and Board Roles

Beyond her executive roles, Miriem Bensalah-Chaqroun is revered for her governance expertise. She has held and continues to hold several high-profile directorships, including serving as an independent board member for global giants like The Coca-Cola Company and Schneider Electric. These roles underscore her international credibility and deep understanding of global corporate governance standards.

Personal Life, Philanthropy & Lasting Legacy

While fiercely private about her personal life, Miriem Bensalah-Chaqroun is known to be a dedicated mother. Her interests extend beyond the boardroom into culture and the arts, reflecting a well-rounded personality. Her philanthropic engagements, often channeled through the Holmarcom Foundation and other initiatives, focus on education, social development, and cultural patronage in Morocco.

The legacy of Miriem Bensalah-Chaqroun is being written in real-time. She is fundamentally reshaping the perception of women in leadership in the Arab business world. By successfully managing vast Conglomerates and steering national economic policy, she has become an irrefutable role model. Her legacy will be defined by:

• Institutional Modernization: Modernizing CGEM into a proactive, influential partner in Morocco's economic development.
• Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Paving the way for future generations of Moroccan women in business and economics.
• Strategic Bridge-Building: Enhancing Morocco's economic diplomacy and connecting Moroccan businesses with global opportunities.

Net Worth & Business Ventures

While the exact net worth of Miriem Bensalah-Chaqroun is not publicly disclosed, it is intrinsically linked to the success and valuation of the Holmarcom Group. As CEO and a key figure within this sprawling family-owned Conglomerate, her financial standing is significant. The group's assets span critical sectors: its crown jewel, Atlanta Sanad, in insurance; distribution networks for major brands like Coca-Cola; and investments in manufacturing and real estate. Her wealth is thus derived from a diversified portfolio of mature, cash-generating businesses that are central to the Moroccan economy. More than personal net worth, her true "value" lies in her influential position as President CGEM, where she shapes the economic environment for all businesses in Morocco, a role that carries immense responsibility and impact far beyond financial metrics.

Sources & Further Reading: Information for this biography is compiled from reputable sources including the official website of the Confédération Générale des Entreprises du Maroc (CGEM), corporate profiles of Holmarcom Group and Atlanta Sanad, and verified news reports from major Moroccan and international business publications such as Jeune Afrique and Forbes.