Community Leaders
Hamid R. Moghadam
Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO at PrologisHamid Moghadam (born August 26, 1956) is an Iranian-American business executive and philanthropist. In 2011, Moghadam orchestrated the combination between AMB, a firm he co-founded in 1983, and ProLogis to create Prologis, the largest logistics real estate company in the world. Moghadam currently serves as Prologis Chairman and CEO, with Prologis operating as a global logistics real estate investment trust (REIT) and S&P 100 company with $219 Billion assets under management. Born in 1956 in Iran, he grew up in Tehran, where his father was a businessman. In 1969 he attended school in Switzerland. In 1973, he entered the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he received Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in engineering. In 1980 Moghadam received an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business in California. Mori Hosseini
Founder, Chairman and CEO of ICI HomesMori Hosseini is a prominent figure in the real estate development industry, known for his visionary leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and significant contributions to the economic and social landscape of Florida and beyond. Born in Shiraz, Iran, Hosseini moved to the United States to pursue higher education and build a successful career. He earned a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering and a master's degree in business administration from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, an institution that would later benefit immensely from his dedication and support. In 1980, Hosseini founded ICI Homes, which has grown to become one of Florida's largest and most prestigious residential homebuilders. Under his leadership, ICI Homes has developed numerous master-planned communities, offering a diverse range of homes tailored to various lifestyles and preferences. The company's commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction has earned it a stellar reputation in the industry. Beyond his achievements with ICI Homes, Hosseini has played a pivotal role in various civic and economic development initiatives. He has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Board of Governors of the State University System of Florida, where he has been instrumental in shaping higher education policies and promoting academic excellence. His contributions to education also extend to his alma mater, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he has served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, providing strategic guidance and fostering growth and innovation. Hosseini's philanthropic efforts are equally noteworthy. He has been a generous supporter of numerous charitable organizations and causes, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and community development. His donations and leadership have helped enhance the quality of life for many individuals and families, demonstrating his deep commitment to giving back to the community. Throughout his career, Mori Hosseini has received numerous accolades and awards, recognizing his business acumen, leadership, and philanthropic endeavors. His story is one of resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, making him a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders worldwide. In summary, Mori Hosseini's legacy is defined by his significant contributions to the real estate industry, his unwavering support for education and community development, and his dedication to making a positive impact on society. His journey from a young immigrant to a leading business figure exemplifies the power of vision, hard work, and a commitment to excellence. Joseph Moinian
Founder & CEO at Moinian GroupJoseph is an Iranian-American investor, real estate developer, and philanthropist. He is the founder and CEO of The Moinian Group, one of the largest privately held real-estate firms in the United States. He owns and operates more than $10 billion of real estate across the country. Since 1982 The Moinian Group has grown into one of the largest privately held real estate companies in the United States, with a portfolio of over 20 million square feet across major cities including New York, Miami, Dallas, and Los Angeles.The Moinian Group funds, develops, and owns properties in every major asset category, including office, hotel, retail, and residential. Over 35 years Moinian led the investment, development, and management of 20 million square feet of real estate. Moinian was born in Tehran, Iran to a Persian Jewish family, the son of Ayoub Moinian and Sara Moinian. His father was also a real estate developer. At the age of 17, Joseph Moinian immigrated to the United States by himself. Moinian graduated from Forest Hills High School and attended but did not complete a degree in business administration from The City College of New York before embarking on a career in consumer retail and real estate. Behdad Eghbali
Co-Founder at Clearlake CapitalBehdad Eghbali co-founded Clearlake Capital in 2006. The private equity firm is based in Santa Monica, California. Behdad is worth an estimated $5B. Clearlake Capital says it has more than $170 billion in assets under management; it is known for scoring some of the private equity industry's best returns. In May 2022, Clearlake Capital joined billionaire investor Todd Boehly and several others in the $3 billion purchase of English soccer team Chelsea FC. Prior to Clearlake, Eghbali worked in private equity for TPG Capital for several years. Eghbali was born in Iran and moved to the U.S. with his family when he was a child. Hesam Nadji
President & CEO at Marcus & MillichapHessam Nadji, born in Tehran, Iran, is the President and CEO of Marcus & Millichap, one of North America's leading investment brokerage firms specializing in commercial real estate. His early life included migrating with his family to the U.S. in 1978. Amid the turmoil of the Iranian revolution, Nadji stayed in Seattle to finish high school and later graduated with a degree in computer science from the City University of Seattle. Nadji began his career in commercial real estate somewhat accidentally while working a data entry job at Grubb & Ellis during his college years. Though initially focused on a career in software design or programming, he quickly recognized the potential in real estate research. His innovative approach to market data transformed his role, enabling brokers and clients to make informed decisions. Nadji joined Marcus & Millichap in 1996 as Vice President of Research and Advisory Services, helping to expand the firm beyond its transactional roots to include advisory and consultative services. His leadership has been instrumental in driving the company's growth. In 2010, he took on the role of leading national specialty brokerage divisions, and later played a key role in the firm's IPO in 2013. He was appointed CEO in 2016. Throughout his career, Nadji has emphasized a client-centric approach, using his skills in research and technology to ensure Marcus & Millichap remains a market leader. Under his leadership, the company has grown significantly, boasting nearly 2,000 professionals across 80 offices in the U.S. and Canada. His work philosophy centers on humility, teamwork, and value creation for clients and colleagues alike. Nadji is frequently consulted by national business media and is a member of notable industry organizations. His vision continues to shape Marcus & Millichap's strategies, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of the commercial real estate industry. Henry Elghanayan
Co-founder, Chairman, Rockrose Development“We develop for the long term and bring value to everything we do. Our buildings are lasting and impactful, and set standards for excellence in architecture and design. At the same time, being authentic and genuine is important to our organization. We are building relationships with the communities who bring our spaces to life.” – Henry Elghanayan Henry Elghanayan, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rockrose, is one of New York City’s most distinguished real estate developers. Since its founding in 1970, the company has developed, acquired or repositioned approximately 70 major projects encompassing 15,000 residential units, nearly 6 million square feet of office space and over 1 million square feet of retail space, totaling over 21 million square feet. Best known for his visionary outlook and hands-on approach as owner, developer and manager, Mr. Elghanayan’s signature projects include the redevelopment of The Archive, a residential Landmark in the West Village, the trophy office development Carnegie Hall Tower, and the development of Alexander Court, a trophy office complex which is the largest privately-owned office building in Washington, DC’s Central Business District. Mr. Elghanayan was a pioneer in the development of several New York City neighborhoods, including the West Village, the Financial District and Long Island City. Mr. Elghanayan serves on the Executive Committee of the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY). His other professional affiliations have included the Carnegie Hall Society, the Downtown-Lower Manhattan Association, Inc., the New York Athletic Club, and the Citibank Advisory Board. Mr. Elghanayan received a M.B.A. from Columbia University and a Juris Doctorate degree from New York University Law School. Rahim Amidi
Founder & CEO at Amidi Group Co-Founder at Plug And PlayRahim is a technology investor, serial entrepreneur, and seasoned executive with over 35 years of experience in early-stage venture capital, as well as commercial real estate development and management. With a deep network in Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, Rahim has been a successful investor in early-stage startups since 1998. Rahim is an early-stage investor in PayPal (NASDAQ: PYPL), DropBox (NASDAQ: DBX), Genapsys, CourseHero, ApplyBoard, Guardant Health (NASDAQ: GH), SoundHound, Vudu (Acquired by Walmart), IntegenX (acquired by Thermo Fisher Scientific), Camstar (Acquired by Siemens), Quantenna Communications (Acquired by ON Semiconductor), Aquantia (Acquired by Marvell Technology), CyberFlow Analytics (acquired by Webroot), NextBio, Surkus, Tenor (Acquired by Google), and The Bouqs Company. Rahim co-founded the Amidi Group in 1980, a conglomerate of privately-held business enterprises consisting of several domestic and international entities with significant manufacturing, distribution, trading, retail, and real estate holdings. For the past 35 years, he has chaired and spearheaded the operations and management of a number of the Amidi Group entities, with billions in assets under management. Rahim is an active member of the technology community and a frequent contributor to numerous charitable foundations. Sam Nazarian
Founder & CEO of SBE EntertainmentNazarian was born to an Iranian Jewish family in Tehran in 1975. The Nazarian family immigrated to the United States following the Iranian Revolution. He is the son of Younes Nazarian who was an early investor in Qualcomm. He was raised in Beverly Hills, California, where he attended Beverly Hills High School, graduating in 1993, and later studied at the University of Southern California. In 1998, Nazarian founded Platinum Wireless, a telecommunications company that distributed Nextel products. He sold the company three years later, and began investing in real estate with his father, and founded 3 Wall Development in 1999. In 2002, he founded SBE Entertainment Group. In 2020, Nazarian sold the remaining 50% stake of sbe's hotel platform to Accor Hotels but retained SBE's food and beverage business. From 2008 to 2011, Nazarian served on the board of trustees of the Southern California Institute of Architecture. In July 2009, Los Angeles Mayor appointed Nazarian to the Board of Airport Commissioners of Los Angeles World Airports. In 2014, Nazarian was named to Fortune's 40 Under 40 list. Ari Rastegar
Founder & CEO at Rastegar Property groupRastegar was born in Austin in 1982 to an Iranian father and German mother. He grew up in Dallas, Texas. He received an undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University and then attended law school at St. Mary’s University. In 2006, while attending law school, Rastegar began investing in real estate. After graduation, he began working for John Read, an attorney in Dallas. In 2010 he met New York investor Anthony Orso, who moved Rastegar to New York and funded his event hosting venture, Capital A Entertainment. He began investing in properties in the Austin area in 2012. Rastegar returned to Texas in 2015 and founded Rastegar Capital, a private real estate investment firm headquartered in Austin. He is also the company's CEO. By January 2017, Rastegar's firm had $500 million in assets under management. As part of his work with the company, Rastegar led planning to construct the world's tallest living wall, announced in April 2020 as part of a development at 1899 McKinney in Dallas. He invests across commercial real estate product types. Rastegar authored the book The Gift of Failure, published in July 2022. Cyrus Sanandaji
Founder & CEO at Presidio Bay VenturesCyrus Sanandaji founded Presidio Bay Ventures, and is serving as the CEO of the company. Presidio’s name has been heard more recently as they’re betting heavily on San Francisco and other nation’s downtowns despite very serious challenges they face. As they mention, Presidio Bay develops innovative real estate projects that inspire people, energize communities and create lasting value for its partners. Headquartered in San Francisco, Presidio Bay designs, constructs and operates commercial real estate for private and public sector tenants across the U.S and has a portfolio totaling 5.3 million square feet of new construction and adaptive reuse valued at nearly $5.6 billion. Presidio Bay specializes in both new construction and major renovation of mid- to large-scale office, life science and R&D spaces, mixed-use, urban infill multifamily communities, industrial distribution centers and other special-use facilities. They seize each opportunity with a bespoke strategy and creative mindset. They are experts in site selection, design, engineering, entitlements, construction, building operations, tenant dynamics, and consumer trends, among other disciplines. Igal Namdar
CEO at Namdar Realty GroupNamdar Realty Group is an American shopping mall investment company based in Great Neck, New York. They primarily purchase dying or dead shopping malls with partner Mason Asset Management. Namdar and Mason are both family owned, and as of 2021, own over 400 properties including 100 plus malls. As of now, Namdar Realty Group owns and operates more than 56M sq ft of retail space around the country. Saeed Amidi
CEO & Founder at Plug And Play Co-Founder at Amidi GroupSaeed is a technology investor, serial entrepreneur, and seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in founding, operating, and growing successful companies, as well as investing in early-stage startups. He has successfully started and scaled businesses both domestically and internationally, including in countries such as: Japan, Germany, France, Austria, Spain, Singapore, Indonesia, Brazil, and Mexico. Saeed founded Plug and Play, the ultimate innovation platform, in 2006. Since then, the Plug and Play portfolio has raised over $63 billion and has gained invaluable support alongside Plug and Play has network of over 90,000 startups. With 60+ locations worldwide and 400+ VC Partners, Plug and Play has extended Silicon Valley's expertise across the world. Saeed has actively invested in startups since 1998. He has invested in high-growth startups such as PayPal (NASDAQ: PYPL), Honey (Acquired by PayPal), Guardant Health (NASDAQ: GH), DropBox (NASDAQ: DBX), LendingClub (NYSE: LC), Tenor (Acquired by Google), and Deepscale.AI (Acquired by Tesla). Some of his other investments include Rappi, N26, Hippo Insurance, SoundHound, ProcessGold (Acquired by UiPath), api.ai (Acquired by Google), Drastin (Acquired by Splunk), Grove (Acquired by Wealthfront), PowerPlan (Acquired by Roper), Aquantia (Acquired by Marvell), Kamcord (Acquired by Lyft), NextBio (Acquired by Illumina), URX (Acquired by Pinterest), and ChangeCoin (Acquired by Airbnb). Saeed co-founded the Amidi Group in 1980, a conglomerate of privately-held business enterprises consisting of several domestic and international entities with significant manufacturing, distribution, trading, retail, and real estate holdings. Saeed is an active member of the technology community, helping bring together entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 companies alike. He is also an active member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO), a world-class network of Fortune 500 CEOs, accomplished serial entrepreneurs, and veteran financial executives. Manny Khoshbin
Founder & CEO at Khoshbin CompanyManny Khoshbin, born in Iran in 1971, is a prominent entrepreneur, real estate investor, and social media personality based in the United States. His life story is one of resilience, ambition, and entrepreneurial success. Khoshbin's breakthrough came through real estate investing. He began by investing in residential properties before transitioning to commercial real estate. Over the years, he developed a keen eye for identifying undervalued properties and transforming them into profitable assets. His portfolio expanded significantly, encompassing a wide range of properties from retail centers to industrial complexes. Manny is President and CEO of The Khoshbin Company, based in Orange County, California. His company has real estate holdings in seven states, totaling over 2.5 million square feet. Khoshbin immigrated to the United States with his family in 1984, at the age of 14. He got his real estate license in 1992 and proceeded to build a tremendously successful career in real estate. Khoshbin is also an author, having published books that share his strategies and philosophies on achieving financial success through real estate investing. Khoshbin is known for his disciplined approach to business and his dedication to family. He often shares glimpses of his personal life on social media, highlighting the importance of hard work, perseverance, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Khoshbin lives in Newport Coast, California Fred Manoucherian
Founder at Pan Am Equities and Manoucherian BrothersFraydun "Fred" Manocherian, born in 1932, is an American real estate developer, author, and founder of both the National Road Safety Foundation and the New York Health & Racquet Club chain. Raised in a Baha'i family with Persian Jewish heritage, Manocherian co-founded Manocherian Brothers and Pan Am Equities with his siblings, focusing on redeveloping Upper East Side tenement blocks. His advocacy for traffic safety began in 1955 after two high school friends were killed by a drunk driver, leading to the creation of the National Road Safety Foundation in 1962 and the publication of his book "_Flesh, Metal & Glass_" in 1970. He has received numerous awards for his automotive safety advocacy, including the Distinguished Service to Safety Award from the National Safety Council. Manocherian married Jennifer Ann Robbins in 1959, with whom he has five children . Danyel Benhaghnazar
Founder & CEO at Danyel Group of CompaniesDanyel has world-class expertise in acquisition, deposition and property development across commercial, residential, industrial, retail, leisure and healthcare. Entrepreneurial, analytical and technically-astute, Danyel has earned a reputation as a real estate expert, an influential communicator and an agent for change in the continually evolving real estate sector Danyel has led his namesake group of companies from the front and by example, applying his expertise to advise on financing, investing and completing real estate agreements. He has a deep understanding of development industries, and achieving strategic and organizational goals. As a result, Danyel is known for going the extra mile, providing tailored solutions, and exceeding expectations. An accomplished and inspirational presenter, Danyel forges strategic relationships with executives, partners and stakeholders at the most senior-level. His guidance on the intricate dynamics and practicalities of complex real estate transactions enables him to control costs, drive growth and maximize $multimillion profits in line with corporate objectives. Previously, Danyel excelled as the commercial managing director for developer, Milano Realty. He founded and chaired the international foods and hospitality firm, Lebiz Incorporated, and he is proud to also be the founder and chairman of the University of Beverly Hills. Danyel holds a higher national diploma in building, is an active philanthropist working with the Los Angeles homeless shelter program and is married with four daughters and a son. In his spare time, he enjoys music, travel and socializing with friends. "It is beautiful to help somebody up when they are down. That is when you see God." - Danyel Benhaghnazar Sam Mizrahi
Founder & CEO at Mizrahi DevelopmentSam Mizrahi, born in 1971 in Tehran, Iran, is a prominent Iranian-born Canadian real estate developer. Mizrahi's family emigrated to Canada in 1977, shortly before the Iranian Revolution, when he was six years old. Mizrahi began his entrepreneurial journey at a young age. At 16, he started buying and selling batteries and blank audio-video cassettes while still in high school. This early business venture eventually led him to real estate development. In 1992, Mizrahi founded Dove Cleaners, a dry-cleaning company that later became known as DoveCorp. The company was listed on the TSX Venture Exchange in 2005 but filed for restructuring in 2007. Mizrahi later sold his interest in Dove Cleaners to focus entirely on real estate development. Mizrahi is the founder and president of Mizrahi Developments, a real estate development firm known for luxury condominium projects in Toronto, including 133 Hazelton, 181 Davenport, 128 Hazelton, and the Forest Hill Jewish Centre, as well as 1451 Wellington in Ottawa. One of Mizrahi's most significant projects is "The One" at the intersection of Yonge and Bloor streets in Toronto. Proposed as a 91-story residential skyscraper, "The One" is set to be the tallest condominium tower in Canada. The project has faced delays and cost overruns and was placed in receivership in 2023, with Mizrahi being replaced as the project manager in 2024 due to various issues. Despite the challenges faced in his career, Mizrahi believes in passion and surrounding oneself with experienced individuals as key ingredients to success. He is also a philanthropist, supporting various charities in health care, the arts, and community development. David Merage
Founder at Consolidated Investment GroupIn 1975, David Merage co-founded Chef America, a national frozen food manufacturer known for inventing and marketing Hot Pockets©, Lean Pockets©, and Croissant Pockets©. David and brother, Paul, sold Chef America to Nestlé in 2002. Chef America is known for being one of the most successful food companies in the world. After the sale of Chef America, David Merage founded Consolidated Investment Group (CIG), a Denver-based investment management company specializing in capital markets, and commercial real estate. Don Ghermezian
CEO at Triple Five GroupDon Ghermezian is a prominent figure in the retail and entertainment industry, known for his leadership at Triple Five Group, a family-owned conglomerate renowned for its large-scale shopping and entertainment complexes. Born into a visionary family, Don's grandfather, Jacob Ghermezian, emigrated from Iran to Canada in the mid-20th century. Jacob and his sons, including Don's father, transformed the family business into a powerhouse, developing iconic properties like the West Edmonton Mall and the Mall of America. Don Ghermezian has carried forward this legacy of innovation and ambition. As the CEO and President of Triple Five, he has overseen the development and operation of some of the largest and most influential retail and entertainment centers in the world. One of his most notable projects is the American Dream mall in New Jersey, a massive complex that integrates retail with extensive entertainment options, including theme parks, water parks, and ski slopes. This project reflects the Ghermezian family's approach of blending shopping with entertainment to create destination experiences that draw millions of visitors annually. Under Don's leadership, Triple Five has focused on creating unique, multifaceted destinations that offer much more than traditional shopping experiences. The company's properties emphasize "retail-tainment," combining retail stores with entertainment attractions to enhance visitor engagement and lengthen their stays. This strategy has proven successful, with properties like the Mall of America and West Edmonton Mall attracting millions of tourists each year. Despite challenges, including the financial crisis of 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic, Don Ghermezian's vision and persistence have kept projects like American Dream moving forward. The mall, which had faced numerous delays and financial hurdles, eventually opened its doors and is expected to be a significant economic driver for the region, providing thousands of jobs and substantial tax revenue. Ghermezian's approach to business is influenced by his family's philosophy of aiming for the extraordinary and integrating diverse entertainment experiences into their projects. This has helped Triple Five's developments stand out in a crowded market and has set a new standard for what shopping centers can offer. Brian Etemad
Founder & CEO at Tamleek Real EstateDr. Brian Etemad, Esq. is the CEO & Founder of the award-winning Tamleek conglomerate. A licensed U.S. Attorney in both New York & California, who graduated from one of the country’s most prestigious universities, Brian used his legal acumen to benefit some of the prominent state politicians as their strategic consultant. He also spent considerable time in Singapore tendering his legal counsel to various diplomats. Having such a strong legal background proved to be advantageous when dealing with highly complicated contracts and legal matters that go with the property and real estate deals. As Emaar Properties’ legal counsel, Brian successfully led their real estate development across various markets and was involved in finalizing the collaboration between Emaar & Giorgio Armani. His experiences with top realtors and developers, combined with having record-breaking profits for the real estate companies he headed, set the foundation for his success as the “Maverick of Real Estate” and the “Real Estate Genius” who, in a short time frame, created a stir in real estate circles with his high-profile achievements. After these soaring successes, he decided to take on a new challenge. As the CEO of the investment advisory & brokerage company, Tamleek Real Estate Co., he was determined to cement his business ventures in major cities across 3 continents. After receiving instant recognition and winning numerous awards, Brian decided to apply his rich global experience as an investor and developer, further specializing Tamleek into a REIT & Global Investments company. Mark Moshayedi
Co-Founder & CEO at Space investment PartnersMark is a serial entrepreneur who has spent his career starting and growing successful companies. Over his career Mark created hundreds of millions of dollars in enterprise value through companies he built. Mark successfully started companies involved in technology, real estate, travel, and vintage cars. Mark graduated with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Irvine and an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University. Combining his expertise in technology, engineering, and business, Mark co-founded STEC Inc, formerly known as SimpleTech, and served as it’s Chief Executive Officer in 2013 before its sale to HGST for $340M. During his 21 years at STEC, he invented more than 50 patents and was instrumental for the development of its revolutionary enterprise, solid state storage products. In addition to Space, Mark Moshayedi is the founder and CEO of MSM Global Ventures, a privately held real-estate investment and venture capital company based in Newport Beach, California. Mark uses his leadership and extensive business experience to manage, develop, and expand the company’s portfolio. In addition, Mark serves as a director of Bookingpal, a cloud based travel and technology company providing a global distribution system and a centralized booking platform for vacation rental properties. Mark is also a car aficionado and expert, owning one of the most valuable vintage car collections in Southern California. When Mark is not focused on his business endeavors, he and his wife Semira engage in philanthropic activities through the Mark and Semira Moshayedi Family Foundation with special interest in education, medicine, and research. Mark resides in Newport Beach with his wife and three daughters. Ben Hakimian
CEO & president at Hakimian HoldingsBenjamin Hakimian moved to the United States from Iran 40 years ago at the age of 17 to study mechanical engineering at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Since then, he has created two companies, married and started a family that has grown to four daughters and two sons from age 17 to 28. Today, Hakimian Holdings owns more than 20 shopping centers, and one office building, in Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Orange Park, St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach and Yulee. He has grown his company exponentially, believes in quality over quantity, and focuses on maintaining strong relationships with his tenants and customers. Paul Merage
Founder at MIG CapitalPaul Merage (b. 1943) is an American billionaire businessman renowned for co-founding Chef America Inc., the company behind the popular microwavable snack Hot Pockets. Born in Tehran, Iran, into a Jewish family, Merage immigrated to the United States at 17. He earned a B.A. in economics and an M.B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley. Merage started his career in product management at General Foods and other food companies before founding Chef America with his brother David in 1977. Initially funding the venture through personal mortgages and family loans, the company gained significant success with Hot Pockets, which catered to a growing demand for quick, microwaveable meals. By 1986, as microwave usage became more common, Hot Pockets became a household staple, leading to the expansion of product lines such as Lean Pockets, Croissant Pockets, and Breakfast Pockets. In 2002, Merage sold Chef America to Nestlé for $2.6 billion. Following the sale, Merage co-founded MIG, a group of investment companies, and remains an influential chairman. His investments span a variety of sectors, including real estate and private equity. Beyond his business accomplishments, Merage is a dedicated philanthropist. He has made significant contributions, including a $30 million donation to the University of California, Irvine's Business School, which now bears his name. He also supports various educational and community initiatives, such as the Merage Institute for U.S.-Israel Trade and the El Sol Academy in Santa Ana, California. Richard Merage
CEO MIG CapitalRichard is the Portfolio Manager of MIG Master Fund, L.P. which launched in 2007. Since 2003, he has been the CEO of MIG Capital, a SEC-registered investment adviser with $850M of assets under management. Prior to MIG, Richard worked for eight years in marketing, strategy, sales and operations roles for Chef America, Inc., his family’s privately held frozen food manufacturing business. Additionally, he played an integral role in the $2.6B sale of the business to Nestlé in 2002. Richard earned his B.S. in Business/Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles and his M.B.A. from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management with a degree in Finance, Marketing and Strategy. Ardeshir Naghshineh
Founder at TargetfollowArdeshir Naghshineh, an Iranian-born property tycoon, is the founder of the Norwich (UK)-based Targetfollow Group, a company renowned for its diverse portfolio and significant property investments. Trained as a civil engineer, Naghshineh moved to East Anglia in 1967 and has since had a profound impact on the commercial property sector. His property holdings, initially focused on inner-city office and industrial buildings in the UK, have grown to include significant assets like London's Centre Point and a mix-use block in Bloomsbury worth over £100 million . Naghshineh's business portfolio extends beyond real estate to include serviced offices through Targetspace, a national parking company RCP Parking, cycle security firm Sekura-Byk, a private members’ club in Norwich named Reed’s, and an organic farm in Salle, Norfolk . His company, Targetfollow, manages around 60 properties in 20 cities and towns , additionally pursuing development projects across cities like Birmingham, London, Stockport, and Norwich with potential end values totaling £1 billion . Throughout his career, Naghshineh has attributed his success to a highly professional team, highlighting Targetfollow's collaborative spirit over being a one-man operation. He has a strong commitment to environmental and community causes, showing a particular passion for the Norfolk area . Beyond his property ventures, Naghshineh has also been involved in attempts to rescue the long-standing retailer Woolworths, where he is the largest shareholder . His strategic approach and diverse interests mark him as a standout figure in the commercial property world.
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