Early Life
Ardavan Farhad Moshiri was born in Iran on May 18, 1955. His parents left Iran just before the 1979 revolution. His father was an army doctor and senior military judge, and his mother's family owned Iran's leading publishing house, Kayhan. Moshiri later studied economics and statistics at University College London and qualified as a chartered certified accountant in the UK.
Rise to Success
Moshiri's career began in the financial sector, working for firms like Ernst & Young and Deloitte & Touche. He served as Executive Director of GNE Group plc and Chief Executive Officer of Europe Steel Limited. His career highlights include chairing Metalloinvest and USM Holdings. A significant move was his purchase of a 49.9% stake in Everton F.C. in 2016, later increasing his shares to 94%.
Key Business Strategies
Moshiri's business acumen is evident in his strategic investments. His purchase of a stake in Arsenal F.C. and subsequent sale to fund the Everton investment demonstrates his focus on the English Premier League. He increased his ownership in Everton over time. He is also known for his investments in Russian mining and steel manufacturing giant Metalloinvest and Russian wireless operator Megafon.
Philanthropy
Moshiri is known for his philanthropic endeavors. He has donated to various charities, including the Prince's Trust and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.