Early Life
Haim Saban was born in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1944, to an Egyptian-Jewish family. In 1956, his family immigrated to Israel. As a youth, he attended a boarding school but was later expelled. He served in the Israel Defense Forces. His early career included a stint as a bass player and manager for a rock band called The Lions of Judah.
Rise to Success
Saban's career took a turn towards the media industry in the early 1970s, producing music in France. He moved to the United States in 1983 and established recording studios that became major suppliers of music for television. In 1988, he founded Saban Entertainment, which became renowned for producing children's television, notably the "Power Rangers" franchise. This venture merged with News Corp's Fox Children's Network to form Fox Kids Worldwide. The company was later sold to The Walt Disney Company.
Key Business Strategies
Saban's business strategy included identifying and capitalizing on opportunities in children's entertainment, acquiring media properties, and forming strategic partnerships. He demonstrated an ability to identify successful content, such as the "Power Rangers", and expand its reach through merchandising, distribution, and international channels. Further, he made strategic acquisitions and investments in major media companies, like ProSiebenSat.1 Media and Univision Communications.
Philanthropy
Saban and his wife, Cheryl, established the Saban Family Foundation in 1999, which supports medical, children's, and education programs in the U.S. and Israel. The family has donated approximately $500 million to various charitable causes worldwide. Haim Saban has been recognized as a generous philanthropist.
