From a competitive pool of 17 finalists across the Middle East, Samih Darwazah, Founder and Chairman, Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC, Jordan, was named as the 2007 Ernst & Young Middle East Entrepreneur Of The Year at a gala ceremony held at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai last night.
Samih Darwazah, a qualified pharmacist, worked for Eli Lilly from 1964 to 1976, before establishing Hikma Pharmaceuticals Ltd. in 1977. Between 1995 and 1996 he served as Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources in Jordan. He also founded the Jordan Trade Association and was a member of the Advisory Economic Council to His Majesty the King of Jordan. Darwazah holds a masters degree from the St. Louis College of Pharmacy in Missouri, USA.
Samih Zarwazah said, “This award has an important symbolic value because it confirms both my personal success and the result of the full commitment of the company’s employees. I hope to win the global contest since the prize will not only be a recognition for my work, but also an inspiration to others who aspire to be great entrepreneurs.”
The finalists were given the opportunity to present their entrepreneur success stories to a panel of independent distinguished judges They were then assessed based on the criteria of entrepreneurial spirit, financial performance, strategic direction, global impact, innovation and personal integrity and influence.
“Samih Zarwazah’s temendous success through the setup of what is now a multi-national company demonstrates that the contributions of entrepreneurs truly matter and make a difference in our world,” said Fouad Alaeddin, Managing Partner of E&Y Middle East. “Ernst & Young are proud to make these entrepreneurs’ successes globally recognized as a testament to their hard work and vision”.
Samih Darwazah will join the 2007 Entrepreneur Of The Year country winners from over 50 countries around the world at a black-tie awards gala in Monte Carlo, between 29 May-1 June, to be inducted into the World Entrepreneur Of The Year Academy and vie for the title of Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year.
Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year competition aims to recognize and encourage entrepreneurship around the world, and build a forum for the exchange of ideas not just between entrepreneurs of one region, but also of the world.
The Ernst & Young Middle East Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2007 was sponsored by Lloyds TSB, International Private Banking. As the Middle East is an important region of growth for Lloyds TSB, the company is keen to encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation amongst businesspeople in various industries.
About the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards
The Entrepreneur Of The Year awards programme was created and is produced by professional services firm Ernst & Young. As the first award of its kind, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic and growing businesses. The programme, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2006, honors entrepreneurs through regional, national and global award programs in over 125 cities and 40 countries.
For more information on the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, visit the Entrepreneur of the Year website on: www.ey.com/me/eoy
About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young, a global leader in professional services, is committed to enhancing the public’s trust in professional services firms and in the quality of financial reporting. Its 114,000 people in 140 countries pursue the highest levels of integrity, quality, and professionalism in providing a range of sophisticated services centered on our core competencies of auditing, accounting, tax, and transactions. Further information about Ernst & Young and its approach to a variety of business issues can be found at www.ey.com/me
