Javad Marandi is a billionaire businessman, property developer, and philanthropist whose career spans luxury real estate, high-end retail, and charitable initiatives. While he is known for his impressive business portfolio, his work in philanthropy has made him a notable figure in the UK, particularly for his contributions to youth homelessness and education.
From his early life in Tehran to building a multi-million-pound empire in the UK, Javad Marandi’s story is one of resilience, vision, and impact.
Born in Tehran, Iran, Javad Marandi moved to the UK at the age of 11 in 1979, following the Iranian Revolution. His parents—a property developer and a teacher—left Iran to rebuild their lives in the UK.
With a keen interest in business and finance, Marandi pursued a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Cardiff University, before qualifying as a UK Chartered Accountant at Coopers & Lybrand (now part of PwC).
Javad Marandi’s career began in corporate leadership, with early roles at Coca-Cola as a business development manager in Central Asia and at Philip Morris International, where he oversaw emerging markets.
However, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to build his own business empire, with significant investments in property, retail, and hospitality.
Marandi has amassed an extensive real estate portfolio, including high-end hotels, private members’ clubs, and luxury resorts. His properties include:
- Soho Farmhouse (Oxfordshire, UK) – A luxury retreat co-owned by Marandi, frequented by celebrities like Eddie Redmayne, Liv Tyler, and Pixie Lott.
- Chais Monnet (Cognac, France) – A 92-room luxury hotel, restaurant, and retail complex.
- Sofitel Brussels Europe – A premium hospitality investment in the heart of Belgium.
- CenterParcs Moselle (France) – A major investment in luxury holiday resorts.
Marandi has also expanded into fine dining, investing in Michelin-starred chef Akrame Benallal’s Paris restaurant, Shirvan.
In addition to property, Javad Marandi has built a strong presence in the retail sector, investing in luxury and mid-market fashion brands:
- Wed2B (2014) – Acquired a majority stake in the UK’s leading affordable wedding dress retailer.
- Anya Hindmarch – Alongside his wife, Narmina Marandi, he purchased a majority share in the luxury British fashion brand.
- Emilia Wickstead (2019) – Invested in the New Zealand-born, London-based designer, a favorite among royalty and celebrities.
Despite his success in business, Javad Marandi is just as committed to philanthropy, focusing on youth support, education, and the arts.
In 2017, Javad and Narmina Marandi established the Marandi Foundation, which funds education, mental health, and employment opportunities for disadvantaged young people in the UK.
In January 2020, Javad Marandi was appointed Co-Chair of the Growth Board at Centrepoint, the UK’s leading youth homelessness charity. He plays a key role in Centrepoint’s Independent Living Programme (ILP), which provides:
- Affordable housing for young people transitioning out of homelessness.
- Training and job placements for over 1,200 young people each year.
- Apprenticeships and employment programs aimed at creating sustainable futures.
Through the Marandi Foundation, Javad supports The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, which funds social impact initiatives.
Additionally, the foundation provides:
- Bursaries for disadvantaged children to attend St Paul’s School in London.
- Support for emerging designers, including sponsoring The Conran Shop & Marandi Foundation Award for Designer of the Future.
- Funding for Watercolour World, a charity preserving historical watercolour paintings online.
- Core funding for the Serpentine Galleries, ensuring free public access to one of London’s leading art institutions.