While their names may not be widely recognized by the public, Javad and Narmina Marandi are key figures in London’s elite circles. With investments in fashion, hospitality, and the arts, the couple has built an impressive business empire while championing philanthropic initiatives that transform lives.
Their Marandi Foundation is a core funder of The Royal Foundation, led by the Prince and Princess of Wales, and their work has earned them the title of “the most connected couple in London,” according to the Evening Standard.
Despite largely shunning the spotlight, Javad Marandi’s success has been matched by his deep commitment to philanthropy, ensuring opportunities for those born into adversity.
Born in Tehran in 1968, Javad Marandi’s early childhood was marked by stability and prosperity, as Iran thrived under rising oil prices. However, the Iranian Revolution of 1979 uprooted his family, forcing them to flee to the UK.
Though his mother and siblings escaped first, his father remained detained in Iran for over a year, and the family’s assets were seized. Starting over in London, young Javad Marandi immersed himself in British culture to learn English and focused on his studies.
His hard work paid off, earning him a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Cardiff University before qualifying as a chartered accountant at Coopers & Lybrand (now PwC).
Marandi’s career took off when he joined Coca-Cola, leading expansion efforts across Central Asia and the Caucasus. He later became an entrepreneur, launching joint ventures with Motorola and securing the McDonald’s franchise in Azerbaijan, transforming it into 19 successful locations.
After marrying Azerbaijan-born Narmina, the couple returned to the UK in 2010, where they built an extensive business portfolio.
Key investments:
- Anya Hindmarch – Major investor in the luxury handbag brand.
- Soho House & Soho Farmhouse – Co-owners of exclusive hospitality destinations.
- The Conran Shop – Owners of the prestigious design retailer.
- Chais Monnet (France), Sofitel Brussels Europe, CenterParcs Moselle – Investments in luxury hospitality.
Driven by their desire to create opportunities for underprivileged communities, the Marandis founded the Marandi Foundation in 2017, providing:
- Education and training programs for disadvantaged youth.
- Mental health and social mobility initiatives.
- Bursaries for students at London’s prestigious St Paul’s School
As a core supporter of The Royal Foundation, the Marandi Foundation also funds transformational social projects in partnership with the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Javad Marandi plays a pivotal role at Centrepoint, the UK’s leading youth homelessness charity, serving as head of the Growth Board. His leadership has helped launch the Independent Living Programme (ILP), which provides:
- Affordable housing for homeless youth in London and Manchester.
- Job training and apprenticeships for 1,200+ young people annually.
Hailed as a groundbreaking initiative, ILP is set to expand nationwide to break the cycle of youth homelessness.
For Javad and Narmina Marandi, wealth is a tool for positive change. From business success to philanthropy, they have demonstrated that influence and opportunity can be leveraged for meaningful social impact.
With Javad Marandi’s journey from refugee to business mogul, his commitment to empowering young people ensures that others, regardless of background, have the opportunity to thrive.