Paul was born in Iraq, immigrated to Montreal in 1972, and is a prominent member of the Ottawa business community and a successful entrepreneur and international executive.
Paul has dedicated much of his life to military service. He has been the Honorary Colonel of The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (Duke of Edinburgh's Own) since 2009, and prior to this time was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration for his service as a Primary Reservist with The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada. In November 2017, the Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, PC, OMM, MSM, CD, MP, appointed Paul as the Honorary Colonel of the Canadian Army. Honorary Colonels are vital to fostering esprit de corps within their communities. Through their established relationships and reputations, they build and develop community support by enhancing the public profile of the Army. Honorary Colonels are seen to be guardians of Army traditions and history, promoting regimental identity and ethos, and supporting commanders in various ways. Paul continues to give back to the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces as Director Emeritus for the Canadian Forces Liaison Council, Director of the Conference of Defence Association Institute, and Vice Chair of Canada Company.
Paul’s charitable work is extensive. He has been invited to sit on, and/or lead, more than 20 charitable, economic development, and business boards and committees. They include the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre, the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group, and many others. He has also served as Vice Chairman of Cancer Care Ontario, Director of St. John’s Ambulance, and Director Bruyére Continuing Care Foundation.
From advancing the economic development interests of Canada’s Capital while serving on the Board of Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovations, to raising millions for local charities and lobbying support for mental health and cancer care, to mentoring technology start-ups, Paul brings energy and commitment to every initiative.
- Awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
- Commander Land Force Command Commendation from the Army Commander in February 2011.
- Silver Award winner for “Businessman of the Year” 2006 by the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce.
- Entered "Canadian Who’s Who" in 1997
- Chosen by Ottawa Business Magazine as one of Ottawa’s top 40 business leaders under the age of 40.
- Ottawa Chamber of Commerce “Businessman of the Year” Silver winner 2007
- Community Builder Award by United Way