The Lebanese Regie for Tobacco concluded its 9th annual meeting for senior executives, which was held over two days at the Intercontinental Hotel in Faqra. The event was attended by Board members Dr. George Hobeika and Dr. Mazen Abboud, Government Commissioner Mirna Baz, and Financial Controller Carol Youssef.
In her opening speech, Mariam Hariri, Head of General Management Service and Quality Manager, said: “This meeting is not a mere phase in the work process, but rather a space that unites leaders who assume great responsibilities. It serves as a platform for recognition, development and strategic planning, aimed at helping us navigate future challenges.”
“This year is special, as it marks the 90th anniversary of the Regie — 90 years of production, development, partnership with the state and the people, and a legacy of trust that the Regie has always lived up to,” she added.
As for Abboud, he conveyed to the participants the greetings of Chairman and General Manager Eng. Nassif Seklawi, noting that “the goals of institutions evolve, as effective institutional systems define these goals according to emerging needs.” He then stressed the need for institutions to no longer rely solely on “strong individuals and powerful leadership” and to adopt “a resilient system that ensures the growth of the institution.”
“Crises teach us valuable lessons. For instance, the surge in black market activity (...) prompted us to shift our strategic focus from trade to industry in order to combat smuggling,” he explained. “The 2019 crisis taught us that the employee is the cornerstone of the institution, and that the institution cannot continue to make profits if its employees keep losing,” he added.
“Winning the hearts of partners and employees is key to sustained profitability,” he said. “Economic efficiency is the natural outcome of a strong work environment, a motivating work culture and good institutional management.”
The meeting featured three workshops. The first one, titled “Leading Under Pressure,” was conducted by director, drama therapist, and clinical psychologist Zeina Daccache. It focused on the pressures that executives face in Lebanon and explored ways to build mental and institutional resilience amid ongoing crises.
The second workshop revolved around the Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) and was led by industry expert Dr. David Soueidi of UMB Consulting. It addressed the link between business continuity and the Regie’s overall strategy, while examining potential disaster scenarios in the context of Lebanon’s current situation.
This meeting is part of the Regie’s ongoing efforts to promote a culture of strategic planning and organizational readiness, and to consolidate its position as a leading public institution in terms of governance, production, and development.