The British University in Egypt (BUE) is honoured to announce that both Ms. Farida Khamis, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the University, and Ms. Yasmine Khamis, Member of the Board of Trustees of the University, have both been selected as part of Forbes’ 50 Most Powerful Women in the Middle East, tying at 27th place. This year’s list of the MENA Region’s most influential and successful businesswomen included seven entries from Egypt. The driving decision behind the compilation of the list is that it’s not just enough to have money or be in a position of power. The nominee must be doing something with their fortune, voice, or public platform that elevates the voice of women on a larger scale. Those are characteristics exemplified by both sisters.
Farida Khamis graduated from the American University in Cairo (AUC) with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Business Administration, and a minor in Psychology. In addition, Ms. Khamis also holds an Elements of Design and Colour Theory Diplomas in Pratt, NY, USA, Accounting for Non-accountants in University of North Carolina, USA and an Introduction to Textiles in University of North Carolina, USA.
She spearheaded the investor relations department upon joining the Orientals Group, utilizing the extensive experience she acquired from leading investment banks to contribute towards the group’s international expansion.
Additionally, Mrs. Khamis is a board member of multiple subsidiaries of the Orientals Group, including Oriental Weavers Carpets, Oriental Weavers International, and Oriental Weavers USA. She is also a board member for Misr American Carpets, and Rameda Pharmaceutical Company.
Alongside the various executive positions, she occupies, Mrs. Khamis is a member of Egypt’s International Economic Forum, and the Young Presidents Organization (YPO).
Ms. Yasmine Khamis graduated from the American University in Cairo (AUC) with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC).
After graduating, she went on to join the Marketing and Sales Department of the Oriental Weavers Carpets Company, quickly showcasing her exceptional skills and rising through the ranks to become the Chairman of the company.
Ms. Khamis is also recognised as a dominant force in the carpet industry, maintaining the group’s position as the world’s leading carpet and rug manufacturers over the years, and directly overseeing the group’s expanding global product lines through a strategic approach that focuses on sustainability and technological innovation. Her exceptional accomplishments have been recognized by various industry publications, being named the most inspiring woman in the home furnishings industry, recognized for both her strategic vision and charitable work.
This isn’t the first time both sisters have made it on to the Forbes list of most powerful and influential businesswomen, as they have both made the cut for the past five years.
The British University in Egypt is proud to have such pillars of innovation and strategic leadership on our Board of Trustees, and know that they’ll continue to elevate the university to new and exciting heights.