Shahzada Dawood was a notable Pakistani businessman, investor, and philanthropist. He held the position of vice-chairman at Engro Corporation and served as a director of Dawood Hercules Corporation. Dawood had been a member of the board at Engro Corporation since 2003, and in October 2021, he was appointed as the vice-chairman. Prior to this role, he had served as the vice-chairman of Dawood Hercules Corporation. With a keen eye for identifying growth opportunities, Dawood invested in various sectors, including textiles, fertilizers, foods, and energy, focusing on mergers and acquisitions within publicly listed companies. Tragically, both Dawood and his 19-year-old son, Suleman, lost their lives, along with three others, when the Titan submersible they were in imploded during a tourist expedition to observe the wreckage of the Titanic on June 18, 2023.
Shahzada Dawood was a Pakistani businessman who held prominent positions at Engro Corporation and Dawood Hercules Corporation. He invested strategically across sectors and tragically lost his life, along with his son and three others, during a tourist expedition to the Titanic wreckage in June 2023.
Shahzada Dawood was born on February 12, 1975, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. He held Pakistani-Maltese nationality while his ethnicity was Pakistani-Asian. He was the son of Hussain Dawood and Kulsum Dawood, and he had three siblings, including sisters Azmeh Dawood and philanthropist Sabrina Dawood, as well as a brother named Samad Dawood. Shahzada hailed from a distinguished lineage, with his paternal grandfather, Ahmed Dawood, being a prominent Memon industrialist and the founder of the renowned Dawood Group, a family business. Shahzada celebrated his 48th birthday for the final time, and as an Aquarius, he bore the zodiac sign associated with innovation and humanitarianism. His religion was Islam. Shahzada obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Buckingham University and pursued a Master of Science (MSc) in global textile marketing from Philadelphia University, which is now known as Thomas Jefferson University.
Shahzada Dawood held prominent positions in notable corporations, including serving as the vice-chairman of the Engro Corporation and a director of the Dawood Hercules Corporation. He had been a member of the Engro Corporation's board since 2003, eventually assuming the role of vice-chairman in October 2021. Prior to this, Dawood had held the position of vice-chairman at the Dawood Hercules Corporation.
Known for his strategic investments, Dawood focused on identifying growth opportunities through mergers and acquisitions in various sectors such as textiles, fertilizers, foods, and energy, particularly in publicly listed companies. In recognition of his accomplishments, he was honored as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2012. Dawood's dedication to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment is evident through his participation as a speaker at the United Nations in 2020 on the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Shahzada Dawood shared a wonderful bond with his wife, Christine Dawood, whom he found incredibly beautiful. Their love resulted in the blessings of two children, Suleman Dawood, and Alina Dawood. Sadly, Suleman Dawood is no more alive. Suleman was among the five people aboard a submersible journeying deep into the Atlantic to view the Titanic and was killed when the vessel imploded during its descent to the ocean floor. The family relished their time together, cherishing precious moments with their beloved children. However, their happiness was abruptly shattered by the unfortunate passing of Shahzada, leaving behind a void that would forever be felt by his wife, children, and all those who knew him. His sexual orientation was straight.
Shahzada Dawood and his family embarked on an adventurous journey from their London residence to Canada, planning to spend a month exploring the wonders of the country. Shahzada, driven by his longstanding passion for science and discovery, made arrangements for himself and his nineteen-year-old son, Suleman, to join a dive in the Titan submersible to witness the sunken Titanic wreckage. The iconic ship had met its tragic fate in the North Atlantic Ocean in 1912, after colliding with an iceberg. The dive, intended to reach a depth of 3,800 meters (12,500 ft), commenced on the morning of June 18, 2023, with an estimated duration of eight hours. However, approximately one hour and forty-five minutes into the descent, the Titan lost contact with its surface ship, the MV Polar Prince. A joint search and rescue operation involving the United States, Canada, and France was initiated.
Tragically, on June 22, 2023, the United States Coast Guard confirmed the discovery of debris near the bow of the Titanic, suggesting a catastrophic loss of the pressure chamber. It was concluded that Dawood, his son Suleman, along with Hamish Harding, Paul-Henri Nargeolet, and OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, had all perished in the incident.
Shahzada Dawood, a highly accomplished businessman, held the prestigious position of President within the Dawood Group, an extensive conglomerate with diverse interests spanning shipping, fabrics, construction, and real estate. Additionally, he served as the President of the Dawood Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives. Shahzada's remarkable success was evident in his estimated net worth of $360 million at the time of his untimely passing. He enjoyed an annual income exceeding $20 million, firmly establishing himself among the wealthiest individuals in Pakistan. Shahzada possessed valuable holdings in companies such as Engro Corporation and Dawood Hercules Corporation Limited, alongside other significant assets and properties. His opulent lifestyle reflected his achievements prior to his unfortunate demise.
Shahzada Dawood, a dashing businessman, possessed a height of 5 feet 10 inches or 1.77 meters. He maintained a body weight of 78 kilograms or 171 pounds. With captivating black eyes and matching black hair, he exuded an aura of sophistication. Shahzada had an average body type, adding to his overall charm and presence.
Shahzada Dawood played key roles in two prominent corporations. Firstly, he served as a director of the Dawood Hercules Corporation, contributing to the strategic direction and decision-making of the company. Additionally, he held the esteemed position of vice-chairman at the Engro Corporation, where he played a significant role in overseeing the company's operations and providing leadership and guidance to drive its success. With his expertise and contributions, Dawood made a significant impact on both the Dawood Hercules Corporation and the Engro Corporation, contributing to their growth and accomplishments in the business landscape.
Shahzada Dawood possessed a deep passion for exploring natural habitats and renewable energies, as indicated by media reports. Described as a photography enthusiast, he had a particular fondness for wildlife photography and embarked on journeys to explore diverse natural environments. Dawood's keen interest in investigating natural habitats and renewable energies reflected his commitment to environmental conservation and his desire to document and appreciate the beauty of the natural world through the lens of his camera.
In 2016, Dawood acquired Maltese citizenship, reportedly participating in the Individual Investor Programme. This allowed him to become a citizen of Malta, offering him various rights and privileges associated with the country. The decision to obtain Maltese citizenship further expanded Dawood's global connections and opportunities, enabling him to engage with the business and social landscape of Malta.
Shahzada Dawood dedicated his time as a trustee to The Dawood Foundation (TDF) from 1996 until 2023. TDF primarily focused on promoting education initiatives, and during his tenure, Dawood played a vital role in its activities. Notably, TDF spearheaded the Hussain Dawood Pledge, a private donation aimed at combating the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan. Dawood specifically directed his efforts toward providing essential mental health support to individuals affected by the pandemic within the country. Apart from his involvement with TDF, Dawood served as a trustee of The Engro Foundation, contributed his expertise as a member of the Global Advisory Board for Prince's Trust International, a charitable organization established by Charles III, and held a position on the board of the SETI Institute, showcasing his commitment to philanthropy and engagement in diverse causes.
Shahzada Dawood's grandfather, Ahmed Dawood, is the esteemed founder of the renowned Dawood Group. Ahmed Dawood's visionary leadership and entrepreneurial spirit laid the foundation for the success and growth of the Dawood Group, which has since become a prominent conglomerate. His legacy as the founder of the Dawood Group continues to inspire and shape the business endeavors carried forward by Shahzada Dawood and subsequent generations.