Karim Sabbagh Chief Executive Officer, DarkMatter Group

Karim Sabbagh is the Chief Executive Officer of DarkMatter Group, bringing more than 30 years of experience running technology-centric global organisations.

Karim manages corporate direction and strategy at DarkMatter Group, where he is responsible for leading Group business activity and directing the company’s four practices: DarkMatter, DigitalX1, DigitalE1 and Government Solutions. With his extensive knowledge of strategic development and international expansion, Karim leads DarkMatter Group’s growth towards becoming the essential provider of smart and safe digital transformation across businesses and governments.

Prior to joining DarkMatter Group in 2018, Karim was the President and CEO of Luxembourg-based communications satellite owner and operator, SES (Société Européenne des Satellites). He also served as the Chairman of the Executive Committee of SES and Chairman of SES ASTRA. He led the transformation of the company, overseeing the evolution of the company’s strategy and execution alongside its elevation as the leading provider of satellite-enabled communications solutions in the video, fixed data, mobility and government markets.

Karim has a strong track record as a technology thought leader and practitioner across the Middle East and globally. Prior to joining SES, Karim was a Senior Partner and Global Practice Leader for communications, media and technology with Booz & Co. He led multinational teams in long-term, large-scale privatisations, international expansion, mergers and acquisitions, growth acceleration and strategy-based transformation programmes.

Mr. Sabbagh has collaborated with and published influential reports such as the Global Information Technology Report co-published by the World Economic Forum and INSEAD along with Cornell University. Mr. Sabbagh was also the Chairman of the Ideation Center that served as Booz & Company’s think tank in the Middle East, as well as being a Member of the World Economic Forum’s Regional Agenda Council on the Arab World.

Karim holds an MS in Technology Management from Columbia University, a DBA (Doctorate) in International Business Management from the International School of Management (Paris), and an MBA and BBA from the American University of Beirut. He is also a visiting professor in Technology and Innovation Management and a member of the Academic Council at Écoles des Ponts Business School in France.