Great Concordian: Rana Ghorayeb, engineer and institutional executive

As an executive vice-president with one of the largest institutional investors in the world — the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) — Rana Ghorayeb, BA 97, MEng 01, oversees the real-estate strategy and investments of Ivanhoé Cambridge, a subsidiary with global assets in excess of $77 billion.

Born in Beirut in 1973, Ghorayeb’s formative years were profoundly impacted by the Lebanese Civil War and by adjusting to a new life in the province of Quebec.

“My childhood was very bumpy, with not a lot of security,” recalls Ghorayeb, who was raised in the West Island suburbs of Montreal. “But my family’s immigrant experience made me more resilient and able to manoeuvre through instability.”

Indeed, by the age of 10, Ghorayeb had resolved that she would get an education and make a difference.

Initially intrigued by medicine, Ghorayeb ultimately selected the Urban Studies and Urban Planning progam at Concordia. She followed up her BA with a master’s in Building Engineering.

“I completed my master’s in the evening while working a day job at a construction company,” she remarks. “Concordia provided students with so much flexibility.”

Emboldened by her time at the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, Ghorayeb sealed her pathway to the executive suite with another graduate degree: a Master of Science in Finance from New York University’s Schack Institute of Real Estate.

After a decade abroad in roles that included vice-president, Acquisitions, at JP Morgan Asset Management in London, Ghorayeb decided to return to Montreal in 2011 to be closer to her parents and to raise her son.

She has since held a variety of leadership positions at the CDPQ. As president and CEO of Otéra Capital, a CDPQ subsidiary, she navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and took the company from $14 billion of assets under management to a more global portfolio worth more than $30 billion.

Ghorayeb’s accomplishments have been widely recognized. The Association des femmes en finances du Québec (AFFQ) awarded her its Inspiration-Andrée-Corriveau prize in 2023 and NYU formerly named her International Alumna of the Year. In 2019, Ghorayeb was named one of Concordia’s 50 under 50.

She is a member of Concordia’s Board of Governors, the university’s Real Estate Planning Committee, and the advisory board of the Gina Cody School. Ghorayeb also serves on campaign cabinets for the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) Foundation and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) Foundation.

When you reflect on your time as a Concordia student, what stands out?

Rana Ghorayeb: The moment I found confidence in myself, which happened when I received my engineering degree. That was a pivotal milestone in my life, making me realize that I could achieve so much.

Discovering my passion during my bachelor’s in urban studies was also crucial. I didn’t know if I wanted to be an urban planner, architect or engineer, but everything fell into place during my undergraduate studies. The friendships I made, the diverse career paths I was exposed to, and the overall openness and hands-on experience I received at Concordia were also very impactful.

What are some of the factors that have enabled your success?

RG: My Concordia degrees in urban studies and engineering have been instrumental. I’ve worked in various fields, including real-estate investment, construction and infrastructure investment. I use skills from both degrees daily. My approach to projects, even as a CEO, has been shaped by project-management principles learned during my time at Concordia. These multidisciplinary skills have been crucial to my success in various functions, from investment to executive roles.

What advice do you have for students who may want to follow in your footsteps?

RG: Take the time to explore and understand yourself. Finding your passion is key to success, and Concordia provides an environment that encourages exploration and multidisciplinary learning. Be curious and courageous, and seize opportunities as they come. Trying different things, especially when you’re young, helps you figure out what you like and dislike, which is equally important. Finally, listen to your inner voice and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

How does it feel to be a Great Concordian?

RG: I’m extremely honoured. Serving on Concordia’s Board of Governors and giving back to my alma mater has been so fulfilling, and so this is very touching.

Concordia has given me so much, ever since my time as a 19-year-old student. I’m delighted to still be a part of Concordia and to contribute to this wonderful university. All I can say is, thank you, Concordia, for everything you’ve given me and for this recognition.