Fouad Rashad: A Visionary in Gas and Champion for Emerging Leaders
Many names are etched into the collective memory of Egypt’s petroleum sector, but only a few are impossible to overlook — not because of the positions they held, but due to the lasting impact they made. These are leaders whose influence extended beyond national borders, and whose legacy remains a testament to clarity of vision and genuine commitment. Among this select group stands Eng. Fouad Rashad, a pillar of Egypt’s gas and petroleum industry, a man of his era who worked quietly, yet left a profound mark — technically, diplomatically, and developmentally.
When the Arab Gas Pipeline is mentioned, it is impossible to ignore that Eng. Fouad Rashad was one of the earliest witnesses to the birth of this strategic regional project, which linked Egypt with Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, paving the way for cross-border energy cooperation — a long-held strategic dream.
His role in the project was not ceremonial or bureaucratic; he was an active contributor, a smart negotiator, and a field-oriented leader who helped overcome technical and logistical obstacles, turning vision into reality. His voice was respected in negotiation rooms, and his presence was felt on the ground — making his name inseparable from this achievement.
“Fajr Egypt-Jordan” – A Model of Arab Energy Cooperation
One of Eng. Rashad’s most notable milestones was his wise leadership of Fajr Egypt-Jordan Company, which became a successful model of Arab energy collaboration. Thanks to his deep experience and ability to foster trust, Fajr evolved into a stable, effective joint entity serving strategic interests for both Egypt and Jordan while reinforcing Egypt’s role as a regional energy hub.
He built a strong network of relations with Jordanian counterparts based on mutual respect and shared interests, enabling the company to navigate many technical and political challenges during turbulent regional times — fostering harmony and integration between Cairo and Amman.
During one of the most difficult periods in Egypt’s gas file post-2011, when supply lines were repeatedly attacked and export capacity was strained, Jordan’s unwavering support for Egypt stood out. These positions were not improvised but were the fruit of years of coordination and trust built by men like Fouad Rashad.
Jordan did not back away from its commitments, nor did it seek alternatives. It stood by Egypt — a fact repeatedly acknowledged by Jordanian energy officials, who stressed that the relationship with Egypt is more than contractual; it is rooted in strategic and political depth.
A Pioneer of Natural Gas Vehicles in Egypt
Among the highlights of Eng. Rashad’s career was his pioneering role in establishing the natural gas vehicle (NGV) sector in Egypt. This initiative marked a significant shift in how natural gas was used domestically, contributing to fuel subsidy rationalization, emissions reduction, and opening new economic avenues.
With his vision — and in partnership with other leaders — Cargas and Gastec were launched, laying the groundwork for a nationwide network of NGV fueling stations. This made Egypt one of the first countries in the region to adopt such a sustainable approach.
During challenging times, especially following the January 25 Revolution, Fouad Rashad played a crucial role in supporting GASCO (Gas Egypt) — helping to ensure project continuity and operational stability at a time when many institutions were struggling with administrative and financial turbulence.
Champion of Youth Empowerment and Leadership Development
Beyond his institutional achievements, Eng. Rashad was a firm believer in empowering young professionals, passing on experience, and cultivating a new generation of leaders in the gas sector. During his tenure, he mentored a large number of talented youth, providing them with real opportunities for learning, hands-on experience, and leadership exposure.
He did not simply support them with words but did so through real assignments and platforms for innovation and critical thinking. Many of those he mentored have since assumed senior positions inside and outside Egypt — carrying with them his imprint and guidance.
A Man of Actions, Not Applause
Anyone who worked with Eng. Fouad Rashad knows he was never a man of the spotlight, but rather a man of actions and initiatives. He preferred to work in silence, to solve problems without fanfare, and to support others without seeking recognition. His generous contributions were felt in major projects and in the small moments that changed individual lives. All he ever asked was for the work to be done right.
As a result, he built deep-rooted relationships and earned unmatched credibility at home and abroad. He left behind warm memories for those who knew him, and lasting imprints in every project he touched or person he supported.
A True Petroleum Leader
Eng. Fouad Rashad represents a rare kind of petroleum leadership — a blend of vision, technical acumen, diplomacy, and national loyalty. He was a key figure in one of the most successful Arab energy cooperation experiences, a founding architect of Egypt’s gas renaissance, and a sincere friend to both seasoned experts and the emerging generation of professionals.
At a time when slogans abound and real role models are scarce, Fouad Rashad remains living proof that true leadership is not about authority, but responsibility, and that the most enduring legacy is one quietly etched in the lives of people and the progress of a nation.
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