Gilbert Chagoury, born in Nigeria to Lebanese immigrant parents, is an influential industrialist, philanthropist, and ambassador. He attended school in Lebanon before returning to Nigeria, where he became a sales executive at age 17. In 1971, Chagoury and his brother Ronald founded the Chagoury Group, a major African-based corporation in Nigeria with interests spanning manufacturing, construction, technology, and hospitality.

The Chagoury Group now employs thousands and has fostered industrial ties between Africa, China, and Latin America.Married to Rose-Marie Chamchoum, Chagoury is known for extensive philanthropic work, including scholarships for higher education and contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Tennessee. In 2008, he funded the Gilbert and Rose Marie Chagoury School of Medicine and the Alice Ramez Chagoury School of Nursing at the Lebanese American University. The Louvre Museum also named a gallery after the Chagourys in honor of their generous donations.

Chagoury’s awards include the St. Jude Founder’s Award, the Order of Saint Gregory the Great, and France’s Commander of Arts et des Lettres. He was also recognized with the Order of the National Cedar by Lebanon and the Gold Medal of Honor by France’s Ministry of Culture. As an ambassador for St. Lucia, he represents the country at UNESCO, the Vatican, and the UN in Geneva. His work reflects a deep commitment to cultural, humanitarian, and educational causes across continents.