Michel Issa has arrived in Lebanon as the new Ambassador-Designate, according to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Beirut. The embassy noted that Issa's professional background includes over 20 years in banking, with roles as a currency trader and manager of trading operations, as well as leadership positions in credit and compliance. After his banking career, he moved into the automobile industry.
Issa most recently served as President & CEO of Newton Investment Group LLC in Newton, New Jersey. His previous work experience spans major financial centers including New York and Paris. He retired from banking in 1999 to focus on business ventures related to automobiles.
Born in Beirut, Issa spent his early years there before relocating to Paris. He holds an associate degree in economics from the University of Paris X Nanterre and also attended advanced studies at Cours d’Etudes Supérieures de Banques in Paris.