Assem Iskander: 30 Years of Dedication and Impact 

Fresh out of college, Assem Iskander began his career in Egypt as a Production Engineer with Orascom. After relocating to the United States in 1995, he continued his journey with Orascom Construction, PLC through its U.S. affiliate, now Contrack Watts, Inc (CWI). What drew him to stay? “It felt like family,” he says, reflecting on the company’s supportive culture and management style.

Now leading the Procurement and Logistics department at CWI in McLean, Virginia, Assem has built a legacy of financial discipline and operational excellence. After being involved in hundreds of projects, Assem can proudly say his department has never lost money. His team’s ability to consistently deliver cost savings has directly boosted project bottom lines—a testament to his strategic mindset and leadership.

Significant Achievement

One of Assem’s standout achievements was the sublease of a vacant office space in the McLean office. Faced with the prospect of incurring rental costs for a non-utilized space, he orchestrated the relocation of CWI to the fourth floor and found tenants for the larger fifth floor, turning what could have been a great loss into gain for the company. “It was about making the most of what we had,” he says. This move allowed Weitz and CWI to have a foothold into what would be a growing data center region.

The Culture

Assem appreciates Weitz and CWI’s strong collaborative culture, noting that despite significant growth, the supportive environment remains intact, with management actively engaging to help resolve project challenges.  He also values the safety culture at Weitz and CWI, noting the significant shift towards prioritizing employee health and well-being over the years. “What used to be a challenge is now second nature. It’s a great thing.” 

The Next Generation

Assem’s advice to young professionals is grounded in experience.

“Focus on the job at hand, do your best, and the accolades will come from consistent effort. And be alert—you’ll be surprised where the next bit of good advice comes from.”

Assem Iskander, Procurement & Logistics Director

Assem’s distinguished career spanning three decades not only reflects his steadfast dedication to the company but also serves as a clear embodiment of our Core Values in action.

Thank you and congratulations, Assem!