Samir Brikho directed the growth of Amec Foster Wheeler for nearly a decade, overseeing a period where the company share price climbed from under 400 pence in October 2006 to more than 1,200 pence by June 2014.
Early Career and Education
Born in Beirut on 3 May 1958, Brikho pursued his higher education at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden, where he earned a Master of Science degree in Thermal Technology. He furthered his management training by completing the Young Managers Programme at INSEAD and the Senior Executive Programme at Stanford University.
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Brikho began his professional tenure in the power industry with roles at Asea and ABB Power Generation starting in 1983. By 2000, he had advanced to become senior vice president and global managing director for steam turbines and generators at ABB Kraftwerke AG in Germany. Later that year, he joined Alstom as chief international operations officer and CEO of Alstom Kraftwerke. By 2003, he served as chief executive of ABB Lummus Global and subsequently became a member of the ABB Ltd group executive committee.
Executive Leadership at Amec Foster Wheeler
In October 2006, Brikho became the chief executive of Amec, later known as Amec Foster Wheeler. He maintained this position until January 2016, when he was succeeded by Ian McHoul. Following his departure from this role, Brikho transitioned to other senior boardroom positions, including the Chair of the Board of Directors for SUEK from 2020 to 2023, and serving as Executive Chairman at the fertilizer producer EuroChem Group AG between January 2020 and July 2024.
Public Service and Professional Affiliations
Beyond corporate management, Brikho engaged in various government and international advisory capacities. From February 2010 until December 2018, he served as a UK Business Ambassador under the governments of Gordon Brown, David Cameron, and Theresa May. His contributions to international economic development were recognized in 2009 when South Korean President Lee Myung-bak presented him with the Medal of Honour for Industrial Service, following the completion of the Incheon Bridge project. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2013 and received an honorary doctorate from Cranfield University in 2015.
Fast facts
- Born: 3 May 1958, Beirut
- Citizenship: Lebanon and Sweden
- Education: Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm
- Amec Foster Wheeler CEO tenure: 2006–2016
- EuroChem Group AG Executive Chairman: 2020–2024
- SUEK Board Chair tenure: 2020–2023
- UK Business Ambassador: 2010–2018
- Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering: 2013
Questions readers ask
What major industrial project earned Brikho a Medal of Honour?
He received the Medal of Honour for Industrial Service from South Korean President Lee Myung-bak for his role in the successful completion of the Incheon Bridge project.
Did Brikho hold positions with the World Economic Forum?
Yes, he served as the 2009 Chair of the Engineering and Construction Board, previously chaired the Disaster Resource Partnership, and serves as co-chair of the Infrastructure & Urban Development Industries Committee.
Achievements
- Educated at Royal Institute of Technology
