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Zaya Younan

Chairman & CEO at Younan Company, A Private Equity Firm

Professional Background

Zaya S. Younan is a distinguished entrepreneur and executive leader with over 35 years of experience in executive management across various Fortune 500 companies globally, including the United States, Europe, and Asia. He founded Younan Company, a global private equity firm that specializes in the acquisition and management of a diverse range of assets and companies in the luxury consumer market. His prowess in executive leadership stems from his strong background in the high-tech industry, where he has played an integral role in the development of state-of-the-art products that have revolutionized industries and shaped modern technology. Among his notable achievements in the high-tech sector, he contributed to groundbreaking innovations such as the world’s first electric vehicle, IP technology for gaming, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP), robotics, advanced automotive components, and the development of advanced Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chips.

In 2002, he established Younan Properties, rapidly transforming it into one of the most successful privately-held commercial real estate investment and management firms within the United States. Under his stewardship, Younan Properties has been involved in transactions exceeding $6.0 billion and currently boasts over $1.5 billion in holdings, highlighting his expertise in real estate and investment management. His strategic vision and adept management have allowed the company to thrive in an ever-evolving market.

Expanding his horizons in 2015, Zaya Younan founded La Grande Maison Younan Collection (LGMYC), inspired by a desire to revive and sustain the essence of the French art de vivre. Under his leadership, LGMYC has accumulated an impressive portfolio that includes nine luxury hotels located in France and Portugal, four exquisite golf courses, and two distinguished vineyards situated in Saint Emilion, Bordeaux. Furthermore, his acquisition of a luxury design firm in Paris and a premium cigar and tobacco company in Geneva, Switzerland, exemplifies his commitment to enriching the luxury segment of the consumer market.

In 2019, Zaya expanded his entrepreneurial ventures by founding the Younan Company, a global private equity firm that continues to thrive under his guidance. With a keen eye for potential, Younan Company aims to assemble a diverse portfolio of luxury products, properties, lifestyle companies, and services. Currently, the company manages assets exceeding $1.5 billion through its subsidiaries Younan Properties and La Grande Maison Younan Collection, establishing it as a formidable player in the global luxury sector.

Education and Achievements

Zaya Younan holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Mechanical Engineering from the esteemed University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This academic foundation has significantly contributed to his innovative mindset and problem-solving abilities that he applied throughout his illustrious career. His education in mechanical engineering has been instrumental in shaping his strategic thinking, enabling him to navigate complex challenges and drive sophisticated projects to success.

Achievements

Throughout his remarkable career, Zaya has achieved numerous milestones that validate his status as a respected leader in business and entrepreneurship.

  1. Founder of Younan Company: Established a global private equity firm specializing in the luxury consumer market, amassing significant assets under management.
  2. Founder of Younan Properties: Launched one of the leading privately-held commercial real estate firms in the U.S., handling billion-dollar transactions and showcasing his expertise in capital investments.
  3. Founder of La Grande Maison Younan Collection: Developed a portfolio of exquisite luxury hotels, vineyards, and design firms, enhancing the elegance of the French lifestyle in the global arena.
  4. Innovations in the High-Tech Industry: Instrumental in the development of groundbreaking technologies, including the world's first electric vehicle and advanced gaming IP technologies.
  5. Global Reach: Successfully expanded his business ventures into Europe, demonstrating his adaptability and vision to merge luxury with investment management worldwide.

Related Questions

How did Zaya Younan develop his expertise in high-tech innovations that led to his involvement in the world’s first electric vehicle?
What motivated Zaya Younan to establish La Grande Maison Younan Collection and expand into the luxury hotel sector?
In what ways has Zaya Younan leveraged his mechanical engineering background in his various executive roles?
How has Zaya Younan’s leadership style contributed to the success of Younan Properties and his other ventures?
What challenges did Zaya Younan face while expanding into the European luxury market with La Grande Maison Younan Collection?
Zaya Younan
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Location

Los Angeles Metropolitan Area