Manny Mashouf
Manny Mashouf | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1938 Pahlavi Iran |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, benefactor |
| Known for | Founder of Bebe Stores |
Manoucher "Manny" Mashouf (, born 1938) is an Iranian-American entrepreneur and benefactor, widely recognized as the founder of Bebe Stores.
Early life and education
Mashouf was born in 1938 in Pahlavi Iran and relocated to the United States during his teenage years, initially residing in Washington D.C. before moving to San Francisco. He earned a degree in political science from San Francisco State University in 1966.
Career
In the early 1970s, Mashouf started his professional journey by managing a steakhouse. In 1976, he launched his own fashion brand. He held the roles of chairman and manager at Bebe Stores, leading the company through its public offering in 1998. By 2006, Forbes ranked him as the 242nd wealthiest American, with a net worth of approximately US$1.5 billion, which decreased to around US$1.3 billion by the following year.
Mashouf co-established the film production firm Argonaut Pictures in 2007 alongside Giovanni Agnelli and Scott Bloom. In 2015, he revealed intentions to divest his 59% ownership in Bebe Stores. By May 2017, the company planned to close all physical retail locations to concentrate on e-commerce operations.
Philanthropy
In 2005, Mashouf committed $10 million to his alma mater, San Francisco State University, originally intended for a performing arts center; however, the funds were later allocated toward building the Mashouf Wellness Center.
Personal life
Mashouf wed Neda Mashouf (née Nobari) in 1984; she held positions as vice chairman and merchandise manager at Bebe. The couple divorced in 2006, after which Neda stepped down from her role at Bebe. They have two children named Daria and Iman Mashouf.
In 2017, Mashouf sold his residence in Bel Air, Los Angeles for $30 million.
See also
- List of California State University, Fresno people
- List of San Francisco State University people
- List of fashion designers