Golnar and Haleh Abivardi
Golnar and Haleh Abivardi | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1969 (Haleh), 1973 (Golnar) Switzerland |
| Other names | Abivardi Sisters, Goly/Goli (Golnar), Haley (Haleh) |
| Occupation(s) | Dentists, business founders |
| Years active | 1990s–present |
| Known for | Founding Swiss Smile dental clinic network and oral care enterprise vVARDIS |
Golnar Abivardi and Haleh Abivardi, frequently referred to as the Abivardi Sisters or by their nicknames Goly/Goli and Haley, are Swiss dentists and business founders, best known for establishing the Swiss Smile dental clinic network and the oral care enterprise vVARDIS.
Early life and education
Their father worked as a natural scientist at ETH Zurich, while their mother managed an English language institution. During their childhood, they relocated within Switzerland, undertaking various part-time jobs and ultimately completing their Matura in Zürich. Both sisters pursued dentistry studies at the University of Zurich; Haleh studied from 1990 until 1996 and defended her dissertation in 1998, whereas Golnar attended from 1993 to 1998, finalizing her thesis in 2001.
Career
Following periods as employed dentists, Haleh Abivardi acquired a dental practice in Amriswil in 2001, subsequently partnering with her younger sister to launch Abivardi & Abivardi. The siblings inaugurated the first Swiss Smile clinic in 2002, situated within the ShopVille shopping center at Zürich Central Station. Their concept drew inspiration from the mall environment, notably incorporating extended operating hours.
In 2017, Swiss investment firm Jacobs Holding purchased shares previously held by the Abivardi sisters and Swedish firm EQT AB, which had maintained a minority stake since 2013. By 2020, both investors had divested their interests in Swiss Smile and its parent company, Colosseum Dental.
The sisters established vVardis AG in August 2019, based in Zug, Switzerland, focusing on oral care products. This company includes Credentis AG—acquired in 2020—and its range of oral health technologies.
Personal life
Haleh Abivardi is married and has four children; Golnar is also married and has two children.
Recognition and philanthropy
The Abivardi sisters are dedicated supporters of charitable organizations that offer dental services free of charge to underserved communities. They received the Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the Year award for Switzerland in 2007. Furthermore, that same year, their innovative business strategy was highlighted by CNBC Magazine as transformative.