The contenders

Executive has short-listed eight potential contenders most likely to be considered for Lebanon’s highest office. As there is no formal process by which candidates are nominated, predicting who will throw in their hat is largely a guessing game. Unwritten agreements and historical precedent narrow the options to a male Maronite. Our consideration focuses on economic qualifications but also considers qualities such as other relevant experience, leadership skills and ethics.   Riad Salameh Born: Kfardebian, Keserwan, 1950 Education: BA in Economics from the American University of Beirut Previous positions: Various roles with Merrill Lynch in Beirut and Paris, 1973-1993 Current role: Governor of the central bank (since 1993) Political leaning: Neutral If economic expertise were the sole factor in choosing Lebanon’s president, Riad Salameh would already be in Baabda. His CV includes a BA in Economics from AUB and a stint as a vice president of investment bank Merrill Lynch in