In a notable convergence of academic excellence and corporate governance, Aliaa Bassiouny, Lawrence Term Professor of Finance at Washington and Lee University, has been appointed as an independent non-executive director on the Board of Orascom Development Egypt (ODE).
In addition to her board duties, Bassiouny will serve on the Audit Committee, contributing financial oversight and independent judgment to one of the country’s most prominent development enterprises. ODE is renowned for its master-planned, fully integrated communities that span more than 50 million square meters, encompassing landmark destinations that blend residential, commercial, and leisure infrastructure with a commitment to sustainability and community-building.
Championing Women’s Representation and Independent Governance
Bassiouny’s appointment comes in alignment with Egypt’s national strategy to increase female representation on corporate boards to a minimum of 30% by 2030. Speaking on her new role, Bassiouny remarked:“It is a profound honor to support this national vision while simultaneously amplifying the role of independent academic voices in corporate leadership.”
Her inclusion is emblematic of a broader global trend toward integrating academic expertise within the highest levels of corporate oversight, a movement grounded in the belief that evidence-based decision-making and intellectual diversity are critical in navigating today’s complex economic and regulatory landscape.
Bridging Academia and Industry
Dr. Bassiouny joined Washington and Lee University in 2019, following a distinguished tenure at The American University in Cairo, where she served as Chair of the Department of Management. At W&L, she leads the Williams Investment Society, one of the largest student-managed investment funds in the United States, known for its rigorous real-world approach to equity research and portfolio management.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree and MBA in Finance from AUC and earned both a Master of Research and Ph.D. in Management Sciences (Finance) from ESADE Business School in Barcelona, Spain—an institution globally ranked for its business education and research impact.
Orascom Development Egypt: A Visionary in Urban Development
ODE continues to set the benchmark for sustainable urban development in Egypt and beyond. With a diversified portfolio of tourism and residential projects, the company is widely recognized for its role in transforming underdeveloped areas into vibrant, self-sufficient communities.
Appointing Bassiouny to its board reflects the company’s commitment to strategic, forward-thinking governance—one that values gender equity, financial acumen, and independent oversight.
