Meriem Chaqorun CGEM chairman

The energetic CEO of Oulmes Company, Meriem Bensalah Chaqroun, was elected Wednesday, May 16 as the head of the General Confederation of Enterprises in Morocco (CGEM). She was the sole candidate to succeed Mohamed Horani. Chaqroun, an administrator and CEO of Oulmes, was elected by the vast majority of voters, the other two contenders had withdrawn earlier from the race. Aged 49,  Meriem is the daughter of Abdelkader Bensalah, a prominent figure in the struggle for independence. She received a Masters degree in trade from the University of Dallas in 1986, after finishing her high school education in France. In 1990 she joined Oulmes drinking water division. Under her leadership, the  turnover of the company jumped from 600 million dirhams to over 1 billion dirhams ($ 89 million USD). The new CGEM new Chairman is also known for her organisational skills at major events, such as Earth Day in 2010 in Rabat or Casablanca Festival. Chaqroun loves cycling, driving, and has a pilot's licence and is known for her religious faith. Election for the Chairman's position at CGEM, is held once every three years, and a Chairman can remain at the helm for two terms.