It's just another sunny afternoon in Dubai as Michael opens the doors of his home to welcome the Level team—laden with photoshoot fodder. Host mode is an easy switch for Michael; despite the chaos of clothes and shoes being unpacked around him, he remains relaxed and is happy to let it all play out. This trait will undoubtedly serve him well as he steps into his new role as CEO of the Chalhoub Group. His father, Patrick, previously at the helm, announced on the eve of the Group's 70th anniversary that he would now be assuming the role of Executive Chairman.
Although he carries it well, the timing and weight of this is not lost on Michael, as he shares, "Celebrating this 70-year milestone is incredibly emotional for me. Taking on the baton this year comes with a huge responsibility, and it's humbling to think about all the highs and lows this company has faced—from rebuilding multiple times to enduring challenges. But when I see that proud smile on my grandma's and dad's faces when they look at me, it hits me just how much this legacy means. It's not just about continuing to grow the company but about ensuring it's in its best shape for generations. No pressure, right?"
He's not wrong. Although hard to picture now, the Chalhoub Group’s journey from a small family business founded in 1955 by Michel and Widad Chalhoub to a defining force in luxury retail is nothing short of remarkable. Under Patrick’s leadership, the company has seen colossal growth, expanding into both online and offline retail, embarking on joint ventures with some of luxury’s giants, and launching their own successful brands—step forward, Level Shoes. Today, to know luxury in the GCC is to know the Chalhoub Group.
"It's an opportunity to celebrate our achievements and express our appreciation to all the teams who have contributed to our success. Their sense of unity and collaboration have helped us get to where we are today," agrees Patrick, as he arrives at Michael's place just after the team. Today, Patrick is armed with carefully considered off-duty wardrobe pieces to wear for our shoot, including a t-shirt with a family portrait printed on the front. To say he nailed the Level wardrobe brief is an understatement.
As he scans all the shoes we have laid out, he is enthusiastic, curious, and decisive—all qualities he is known and loved for as a leader. “What I admire most about my father’s leadership is his humility,” says Michael, praising his father. "He's the kind of leader who can make you feel like you're the one running the show, even though he's quietly pulling all the strings behind the scenes. It's a rare gift to be both humble and highly effective." And highly effective he is. Since taking the reins of the Chalhoub Group, Patrick has seen incredible change across the region, particularly in the arts and culture sector. His ability to embrace the ever-changing landscape, learn, and pivot is what has driven the group forward and made him a visionary for those who have come after him.
Michael reflects on the changes they’ve witnessed over the years. "Dubai has truly become synonymous with bold entrepreneurship, and it has been for the last 30 years. From watching the city rise from the ground up—literally—to seeing private enterprises thrive, it’s a place where big dreams take shape and become reality.” Patrick agrees that it is this innovative mindset and willingness to challenge the status quo that has allowed the city to flourish.
The mutual respect between father and son, as both businessmen and family, is clear to see. They effortlessly switch between glancing at each other’s pictures with joy and asking—in their own shorthand code—how meetings had gone that day. Patrick is quick to praise Michael’s leadership style, which he says has taught him a lot over the years, too. "He demonstrates the ability to listen actively. He exudes confidence when expressing his opinion—he’s decisive and doesn’t hesitate to act or take initiative. The best advice he’s given me is to live in the moment and not always worry about tomorrow."
With a Group firmly rooted in family, it comes as no surprise that stepping out of the boardroom for their own family time is important to them both. For Patrick, this looks like having lunch with his wife Ingie, sons Michael and Kevin, and his beloved grandson Matteo. During these meals, they share stories and make big plans for their yearly sports competitions, birthdays, and travel. Michael says these lunches are always more about the conversation than the food. "Family time for me is a mix of traditions, laughter, and a dash of adventure. My father and I take a one-to-one trip once a year—just the two of us exploring a new corner of the region, making memories, and getting lost in the process."
It's this sense of adventure that also keeps them grounded. "We're all about the simple joys in Dubai. The beach is a must—Matteo loves to build sandcastles, and I usually 'accidentally' get buried," says Michael. “And, of course, there's the trampoline—because what's better than bouncing around like you're still five years old? It's our little slice of joy, filled with laughter, and maybe a few unexpected flips." Patrick adds, "You can't beat a day at the Kite Beach, relaxing, playing, and swimming, but I also enjoy a day out somewhere like Legoland, the aquarium, or the zoo with our grandson."
As the sun sets and the last pictures are taken, the team packs up the shoes, but not before Patrick picks out a couple of favorites first. We bid farewell to Patrick as he heads home, leaving us in Michael’s capable hands—a fitting signifier of things to come.
Describe each other's sense of style.
MICHAEL: Dad's style is very classic, with a twist. Think timeless elegance but with a little scrappy flair—like someone who can pull off a perfectly tailored suit while still looking like they've just stepped out of a charmingly disheveled novel. It's classy, with just enough ruffled edges to keep it interesting.
PATRICK: Michael's clothing is a form of self-expression and reflects his personality. It's casual and comfortable but more traditional in his professional life—and always paired with stylish shoes. His sneaker collection reflects a mix of classic and fashionable brands but is still practical.
If you were a shoe, what shoe would you be?
MICHAEL: I'd be a pair of sleek, stylish sneakers—sports shoes, of course! Hopefully, the perfect fit: fast, flexible, and always up for the challenge. Whether racing through a busy day or stepping into a game, I'm always ready to go the extra mile. Plus, they're stylish enough to make a statement but practical enough to actually get things done.
PATRICK: Just one? In the office, a beautiful pair of Magnanni or Ferragamo shoes. At the weekend, a comfortable pair of Forsa slip-ons. For dining and dancing Berluti and for working out Axel Arigato.
What excites you about the next generation of talent?
MICHAEL: Their boldness, entrepreneurial spirit, and fearlessness. They're not just chasing success for themselves—a deep sense of purpose drives them. What truly stands out is how much they give back to their communities, countries, and planet. Seeing them using their talents to make a real impact is inspiring, and it's gratifying to be a part of their journey. There's something truly special about that level of dedication and selflessness.
PATRICK: Their passion for success is driven by a decision to make a positive impact. They’re active on social issues and committed to conscious learning. They're also innately tech-savvy and digitally active, which puts them in an innovative mindset that challenges the status quo by thinking outside the box. They're an inspiring generation.