Kassar is a landmark Lebanese politician and businessman, and was President of the Beirut Chamber of Commerce and Industry for over 30 years. He was the driving force behind Lebanon remaining open for business during its long years of war and conflict. After acquiring Fransabank in 1980, Kassar transformed it into Lebanon’s largest bank by branch network. His accolades include the National Order of Merit (France), Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary, Commander of the Order of Rio Branco (Brazil), the China Award, and the Order of Friendship (Russian Federation). Kassar received the Business for Peace Award in 2014, and was elected Honorary Chairman of the Silk Road Chamber of International Commerce (SRCIC) in 2016.