Insights
From Finance to Luxury Real Estate: The Career Change I Never Planned
George Azar reflects on how a career in private banking and asset management shaped his move into luxury real estate.
Read moreChairman & Chief Executive Officer
George Azar
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sotheby's International Realty across the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia.
George Azar leads a cross-border luxury real estate platform serving ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family offices, entrepreneurs and international investors across the UAE, UK and Saudi Arabia.
Professional overview
A short summary of George’s career.
George Azar has built a career across private banking, wealth management, international client advisory and luxury real estate. His work connects global capital with prime residential property markets, combining long-standing client relationships with a clear understanding of wealth preservation, asset performance and cross-border investment.
United Kingdom Sotheby's International Realty
Leading one of the world's most established prime residential property markets.
Dubai Sotheby's International Realty
At the centre of luxury real estate and international client advisory since 2013.
Saudi Arabia Sotheby's International Realty
Supporting the group's regional footprint since 2015.
Career at a glance
From private banking to luxury real estate leadership.
Early career
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith
Financial Consultant
Early career
Swiss Bank Corporation
Agent
1998
Banque SCS Alliance Groupe, Beirut
General Manager
2001–04
Union Bancaire Privée, Dubai
Director → Managing Director
2006
UBP Qatar LLC
Chief Executive Officer
2013
Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty
Chairman and CEO
2015
Saudi Arabia Sotheby’s International Realty
Business acquired and expanded
2023
United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty
Expansion into Prime Central London and the wider United Kingdom market
Latest updates
News & Insights
Media mentions
Mega-Rich Plotting Return to London, Sotheby’s Housing Boss Says
Ultra-rich individuals leaving London due to tougher wealth taxes are keeping their homes with the view of returning once the policy environment changes.
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