Elie Chahwan, the Managing Director of PRECIOSA Lighting in Saudi Arabia, is leading the brand’s regional expansion and operations in the luxury lighting sector. When asked what inspired his journey into the luxury lighting industry, and what continues to drive his passion today, Elie points to a deep-rooted appreciation for subtle sophistication and timeless design. His interest was never in surface-level opulence but in the kind of craftsmanship that speaks through restraint, balance, and attention to detail.
Early in his career, Elie worked in customized architectural lighting and media façades, sharpening his instinct for precision, scale, and integration. These formative years gave him technical depth, but it was decorative lighting that struck a more resonant chord. He discovered how light could transform a space, evoke emotion, and create unforgettable experiences.
That realization brought him to PRECIOSA Lighting. With its Bohemian heritage and deep respect for design narratives, the company offered the right platform that honors both tradition and forward momentum.
Today, what inspires him is the opportunity to create environments that feel purposeful and immersive. Working alongside designers and clients who treat lighting as a central design element allows him to continually push creative boundaries. As he puts it, “My purpose is simple: connect people through light, and leave behind something that truly matters.” In a fast-moving market like Saudi Arabia, where ambition meets transformation, Elie sees every project as an opportunity to create something that speaks with intent and stays beyond first impressions.
The Heart of Leadership
Leadership is a continuous, evolving process. Since taking on the Managing Director role for the KSA office, Elie’s leadership approach has become both strategic and profoundly focused on people. Succeeding in this region demands quick adaptation, cultural understanding, and genuine connections, not just with clients but also within the team.
This seasoned executive understands that “Leadership is not about control; it’s about alignment of values, vision, and people.” Because of this, he’s dedicated to creating an environment founded on open communication, a collective vision, and empowerment. Recognizing each team member’s unique strengths and placing them where they can shine is key to designing a united, high-performing team.
Elie feels fortunate to work under the inspiring leadership of Mr. Vladimir Kadlec, their Vice President and Global Sales Director, whose guidance consistently reinforces the strength of teamwork and a persistent dedication to excellence throughout the company.
Regional Nuances and Visionary Growth
Having worked in the UAE before relocating to Saudi Arabia, Elie has experienced how each market, while regionally connected, operates with its own rhythm and potential. Saudi Arabia stands out for its fusion of deep-rooted heritage and bold, forward-facing ambition.
A strong national appetite for innovation runs alongside an enduring appreciation for luxury and artistry. Elie quickly understood that the real opportunity lies in designing lighting that bridges both honoring tradition while supporting modern aspirations.
He notes that Vision 2030 has restructured the region, driving rapid transformation across the hospitality, culture, and commerce sectors. This momentum gives PRECIOSA a powerful chance to participate in standout projects that redefine global benchmarks.
Their in-depth investment in the Saudi market is evident through a local team and a strategic office within the KAFD Design District. Elie explains that this setup enables them to respond with speed and cultural precision nationwide. It also reinforces PRECIOSA’s long-term commitment to building meaningful partnerships, delivering premium service, and upholding the highest standards of quality. With this local grounding, the brand is well-positioned to stay agile and aligned with Saudi Arabia’s evolving goals.
Fusing Artistry and Business Acumen
Balancing artistic creativity with business strategy in a design-focused industry is a tough act. For Elie, true leadership in luxury involves mastering both the poetic and the pragmatic. At PRECIOSA, everything hinges on listening closely to clients, designers, and the subtle shifts in the market. This is where creativity transforms into something truly significant.
How does the process begin here? By intuition or by intention? It always kicks off with storytelling. Every concept is rooted in a cultural and emotional setting, then carefully developed to meet project deadlines, budgets, and technical requirements. Elie credits the extensive expertise of their team, comprising experienced professionals in design, production, project management, and sales, who make it all possible by turning artistic vision into precise, workable solutions.
Beauty is not just pursued at PRECIOSA. The team focuses on where their designs precisely add value. With a clear objective, they guide clients toward thoughtful upgrades without compromising elegance or their intended purpose. Elie explains, “The balance is not about sacrifice but synergy; crafting pieces as refined in execution as they are bold in vision.”
Projects That Yield an Inheritance
Every project leaves a mark, but a few go further and mold what’s to come. At PRECIOSA, Elie shares, they’ve had the privilege of designing exceptional and often private commissions. These span royal residences, secluded villas, and signature hospitality and cultural landmarks, all envisioned by some of the region’s most influential creators.
A standout moment was their bespoke installation for the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2020. Crafted from 2,030 handblown crystal pieces, it paid tribute to Vision 2030, reflecting the Kingdom’s evolving identity and ambition through exquisite detail and meaning.
Another milestone was their work with AlMoosa Health Group, where they transformed two main lobby areas. These installations were designed to soothe and uplift, turning functional clinical spaces into refined sanctuaries that welcome and comfort.
Elie notes that several other high-profile projects are either completed or underway, though still under wraps until their official debut.
According to him, no two PRECIOSA creations are ever alike. Each one starts from a clean slate, designed solely for its space. It’s never just about the chandelier; it’s about the emotion it evokes, the story it narrates, and the perpetual mark it leaves behind.
Tradition That Dares to Evolve
At PRECIOSA, legacy isn’t a relic. It’s the foundation for what’s next. Elie, as Managing Director, makes it clear that the brand’s real edge lies in honoring its Bohemian roots while shaping the future of luxury lighting. “Our distinctive strength lies in seamlessly blending rich heritage with forward-looking innovation,” he says, positioning PRECIOSA as both pioneer and trendsetter.
He promotes a culture where tradition isn’t preserved in glass but used to shape it. Handcrafters, designers, and sales teams are encouraged to explore advanced materials, emerging tech, and bold aesthetics, without losing sight of the craftsmanship that defines the brand.
PRECIOSA’s secret to relevance? Knowing how to ask the right question: how to reinterpret and elevate centuries-old techniques to resonate powerfully within today’s luxury spaces.
By merging legacy with fresh creativity, PRECIOSA sets the pace in luxury lighting and steers the future of design globally.
Sustainability: Crafting a Greener Future
Sustainability is a core principle at PRECIOSA, integrated into the development of their products and operations. By concentrating on craftsmanship over mass production, they create timeless lighting that honors tradition while minimizing environmental impact.
Elie shares that PRECIOSA invests in advanced technologies. For example, a new glass polisher cuts raw material use by 65% and waste by 90%. Their fiber laser technology triples efficiency while halving costs. Plus, an upgraded gas boiler system slashes CO2 emissions by 20%.
Water conservation is also key. 70% of their water is recycled, and strict emission standards are followed, leading to a 50% drop in water usage over ten years. In packaging, recycled materials and repurposed production waste are used without compromising quality or aesthetics.
Regionally, the company champions sustainable design by guiding clients on energy-efficient solutions, especially in hotels and public areas.
For PRECIOSA, sustainable luxury means building a future where elegance and ecology go hand in hand.
Managing Global Reach, While Maintaining Local Roots
This luxury lighting brand is deepening its presence in Saudi Arabia by aligning with global standards and relying on trust, agility, and adaptability.
Although PRECIOSA’s Czech heritage, with its exquisite artistry and design, remains at the forefront, local nuance influences the delivery. The team acts as a conduit, bringing international expertise into Saudi Arabia while channeling local insights back to the global table. This mutual exchange elevates the brand across regions.
That means more than strategy calls from afar. Elie personally attends site visits and client meetings and supports his team on the ground. This hands-on module earns respect and reinforces their commitment to the Kingdom.
By pairing PRECIOSA’s global identity with deep local engagement, their footprint in Saudi Arabia feels volitional, relevant, and built for persistent impact.
Message to Aspiring Leaders in Design or Luxury Sectors
Elie firmly believes that leadership in the design and luxury world starts with one thing: being real. For aspiring leaders aiming to leave their mark in design or luxury, he advises, “Authenticity is the cornerstone of effective leadership.” It is not about imitating others but about truly knowing oneself, understanding one’s unique strengths, and leading with clear purpose and strong belief.
He urges future leaders to stay curious and build a commitment to listening. Markets shift fast, and designers, clients, and collaborators often hold the keys to the next big idea. Tuning in will sharpen their edge.
Over the years, Elie has come to understand, “Luxury isn’t just style; it’s crafting moments that last a lifetime.” In this line of leadership, people come first. He encourages these aspirants to build sharp teams, stay open to feedback, trust their people to deliver, and back their growth wholeheartedly. Elie adds that in the luxury industry, success hinges on relationships. When nurtured with integrity and intention, they become the foundation for enduring achievement. Therefore, budding leaders must prioritize people above all, stay present on the details, and lead with consistency.
Cultivating Cohesion and Excellence
Elie advocates clear and consistent communication, igniting a unified objective across every PRECIOSA department, from sales to design to project management. He doesn’t just ensure they know what to do, but why they do it. Regular alignment sessions, weekly team meetings, and collaborative brainstorming workshops are conducted to nurture creativity and problem-solving. At the same time, beneficial training programs are designed to equip the team with the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver PRECIOSA’s hallmark excellence consistently.
Close collaboration with the Czech headquarters ensures that they not only talk about brand values, but also embody them at every level.
Equally important is encouraging open feedback for Elie. This culture of listening keeps them agile, helping Elie and his teams master each market’s unique demands.
“Leadership by example completes the picture,” Elie remarks, “When I embody the brand’s vision and values, the team naturally follows.”
The Habits That Keep This MD Grounded and Ahead
In luxury, speed is a given. Focus isn’t. Elie begins each week by setting clear priorities with his team, turning shared goals into forward momentum.
He doesn’t just power through; he pauses. Regular reflection helps him assess progress and adjust when needed, keeping strategies flexible and outcomes intentional.
With travel as a constant, Elie counts on a few non-negotiables: early mornings for focused planning, short daily check-ins to stay connected, and quiet moments to listen, whether to clients, colleagues, or his own instincts.
It’s not just about being physically available. For this adept professional, staying mentally and emotionally present is what makes leadership effective. These habits help him stay present, responsive, and effective.
Lighting that Sculpts the Future with Vision
Elie sees PRECIOSA as part of a growing design movement in Saudi Arabia. As the brand’s presence expands, they are raising expectations around what lighting can offer on a technical, artistic, and emotional level.
By working directly with the country’s top architects, designers, and clients, they concentrate on creating lighting experiences that bring people closer to the spaces they inhabit.
Elie hopes their work encourages a more profound respect for craftsmanship and helps place lighting at the center of architectural thinking, not merely as decoration but as a vital expressive element.
Legacy with Meaning
Legacy isn’t a one-size-fits-all ambition. Every leader defines it differently, some by what they build, others by how they uplift. What about Elie? For him, it’s never been just about business. “Success is not a destination; it’s the ability to inspire, elevate, and endure.” That belief guides every step he takes at PRECIOSA.
Elie doesn’t aspire to be remembered as just another leader. He views himself as a connector of people, ideas, and pursuits, with a priority on creating something that persists.
PRECIOSA has earned a respected reputation across Saudi Arabia, illuminating cities with projects that reflect honesty, imagination, and staying power. Elie takes that responsibility seriously, working to ensure this impact continues to expand and strengthen.
What moves him is not just the brilliance of chandeliers, but the culture they reflect through collaboration, mutual respect, and creativity rooted in a unified vision and pride. These values, more than any single project, carve out a structural philosophy that continues to resonate. For Elie, true leadership is measured by the enduring light they leave to guide generations ahead.
Lastly, Elie expresses gratitude to CIO Views magazine for recognizing him among the ‘Middle East’s 10 Most Influential Business Leaders to Follow in 2025.’ This acknowledgment motivates him to keep leading with enthusiasm, honesty, and a dedication to making a significant difference in the field and beyond.
