Sarah Aoun Balesh
About Sarah Aoun Balesh
Sarah Aoun Balesh serves as the Regional Head of Corporate Real Estate at HSBC in the United Arab Emirates, a position she has held since 2021. She is also the Chair of CoreNet Global Middle East Chapter and has over 14 years of experience in corporate real estate management.
Work at HSBC
Sarah Aoun Balesh has held multiple leadership roles at HSBC over a span of 14 years. She currently serves as the Regional Head of Corporate Real Estate (Corporate Services) since 2021, overseeing a portfolio of approximately 2 million square feet across more than 200 properties in the United Arab Emirates. Previously, she was the Head of Portfolio, Transactions & Estates for the Middle East North Africa & Turkey region from 2020 to 2021 and the Head of Portfolio, Workplace & Estates from 2016 to 2019. Her responsibilities have included areas such as Portfolio Strategy, Transactions, Estates Management, and Workplace Strategy. Additionally, she has contributed to HSBC's Net Carbon Zero strategy.
Leadership at CoreNet Global
Since 2022, Sarah Aoun Balesh has been the Chair of the CoreNet Global Middle East Chapter. She has been actively involved in the organization, previously serving as a Board Member and Treasurer for four months in 2022 and as the Board Member - Content and Program Lead from 2020 to 2022. Her leadership roles within CoreNet Global emphasize her commitment to the corporate real estate sector and her focus on professional development in the region.
Education and Expertise
Sarah Aoun Balesh has a diverse educational background. She studied at Brummana High School, where she earned a High School Diploma in the International Scientific Program from 1993 to 1999. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising & Marketing from Notre Dame University - Louaize, completed in 2004. In 2020, she obtained a Certificate in Real Estate Economics & Finance from The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Her education supports her extensive expertise in corporate real estate, particularly in financial planning and risk management.
Background in Corporate Real Estate
Sarah Aoun Balesh has a solid background in corporate real estate, having worked in various roles since 2004. Before joining HSBC, she was a Business Development Coordinator at Screens International and a Project Development Coordinator at Razin Group Holding. Her experience spans over 14 years in the corporate real estate sector, focusing on areas such as occupancy planning and sustainability, particularly in the MENAT region.
Commitment to Diversity and Women Empowerment
Sarah Aoun Balesh is passionate about empowering women and supporting diversity in both professional and personal environments. Her commitment to these values is reflected in her leadership roles and initiatives within the corporate real estate sector, where she advocates for inclusive practices and policies.