Jahm Najafi

$1.67 B

Ranked #2379 in World

About Jahm Najafi

Iranian-American billionaire businessman Jamshid Jahm Najafi leads The Najafi Companies, a distinguished private equity firm, and holds a pivotal role as vice-chairman of the NBA's Phoenix Suns and McLaren Racing. With an academic foundation in economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master's degree from Harvard University, Najafi's illustrious career commenced at Salomon Brothers, progressing to CEO of Pivotal Private Equity. His strategic investments span across consumer, media, sports, and technology sectors, notably purchasing Network Solutions and later selling it for a substantial profit. Najafi's commitment to community and the arts is reflected through his management roles and philanthropic efforts within Arizona. His recent appointment as McLaren Racing's vice-chairman in December 2020 underscores his vast influence across sectors. Living in Arizona with his family, Najafi's personal and professional life mirrors his diverse interests and investment acumen.

Born

March 19, 1963

Age

63 years

Source Of Wealth

Investments

Industries

Finance & Investments

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Paradise Valley, Arizona

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Economics, University of California Berkeley

Spouse

Cheryl Najafi

Children

Jamshid Jahm Najafi, an Iranian-American billionaire businessman, was born and raised in the United States. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master's degree in business economics from Harvard University, which he obtained in 1986.

Jahm Najafi: Family

Jamshid Jahm Najafi is married to Cheryl Najafi, and they have three children together. The family resides in Arizona.

Jahm Najafi: Career Highlights

Najafi began his career at Salomon Brothers, a Wall Street firm that later became part of Citigroup. He then served as the CEO of Pivotal Private Equity and partner and COO of The Pivotal Group from 1990 to 2002. During this time, he focused on the purchase of commercial properties.

In 2002, Najafi established The Najafi Companies (Najafi Cos.), a private-equity firm that invests solely with his own capital. The firm makes investments across various industries, including consumer, media, sports, travel, e-commerce, retail, and technology.

Jahm Najafi: Companies

Najafi has been involved with numerous companies throughout his career. He is the founder and managing partner of The Najafi Companies, a private equity firm. He is also the partial owner and vice chairman of the Phoenix Suns professional basketball team and a governor on the board of the National Basketball Association. Additionally, he is the vice-chairman of McLaren Racing, a Formula One constructor.

Jahm Najafi: Major Achievements

Najafi has achieved significant success in his business ventures. He led the acquisition of Network Solutions from Verisign Inc. for $20 million in 2003 and sold it to General Atlantic for $800 million in 2007. He also led the company through the acquisitions of Pert Plus shampoo brand and Sure deodorant brand from Procter & Gamble in 2006.

In 2022, The Najafi Companies closed its acquisition of STX Entertainment from ErosSTX. Additionally, MSP Sports Capital, in which Najafi is involved, acquired a majority interest from ESPN Productions for the X Games in the same year.

Jahm Najafi: Awards & Achievements

Najafi has been recognized for his accomplishments in the business world.

He was named to the Phoenix Business Journal's Forty under 40 list in 2001. He has also served on the board of directors for several organizations, including the Phoenix Symphony and Phoenix Metropolitan Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Jahm Najafi: Personal Life & Legacy

Najafi is known for his philanthropic efforts. He is the chair of the board of trustees of Phoenix Country Day School and a founding partner of Social Venture Partners and the Arizona State University Committee for Design Excellence.

Jahm Najafi: Trivia

Najafi made headlines in 2022 when he called for Robert Sarver to resign as the owner of the Phoenix Suns following Sarver's suspension for workplace misconduct. Despite this, Najafi kept his minority team ownership stake when the team was sold to new ownership led by Mat Ishbia and Justin Ishbia.

Wealth History

Timeline

Jamshid Jahm Najafi is an Iranian-American billionaire businessman who manages The Najafi Companies, a private equity firm.

He is also the vice chairman of the NBA's Phoenix Suns and McLaren Racing.

Najafi earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master's degree in business economics from Harvard University in 1986.

He began his career at Salomon Brothers, a Wall Street firm that later became part of Citigroup.

1990-2002

Najafi served as the CEO of Pivotal Private Equity and partner and COO of The Pivotal Group, where he focused on the purchase of commercial properties.

He is a founding partner of Social Venture Partners and the Arizona State University Committee for Design Excellence.

2001

Najafi was named to the Phoenix Business Journal's Forty under 40 list.

He has served on the board of directors for the Phoenix Symphony and Phoenix Metropolitan Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Najafi is the chair of the board of trustees of Phoenix Country Day School.

He is a partial owner and vice chairman of the Phoenix Suns professional basketball team and a governor on the board of the National Basketball Association.

Najafi called for Robert Sarver to resign after his suspension for workplace misconduct.

He kept his minority team ownership stake when the team was sold to new ownership led by Mat Ishbia and Justin Ishbia.

2002

Najafi established The Najafi Companies (Najafi Cos.), a private-equity firm that invests only his own capital.

Najafi Cos. makes investments across industries with significant holdings in consumer, media, sports, travel, e-commerce, retail, and technology.

December 2020

Najafi was announced as the next vice-chairman of McLaren Racing, a Formula One constructor.

2003

Najafi purchased Network Solutions from Verisign Inc. for $20 million.

2007

He sold Network Solutions to General Atlantic for $800 million.

2006

Najafi led the company through the acquisitions of Pert Plus shampoo brand and Sure deodorant brand from Procter & Gamble.

2008

He acquired Trend Homes Inc.

2008

Najafi purchased Direct Group, the parent company of the Book of the Month Club, Columbia House, and BMG Music Service, from Bertelsmann AG.

He also acquired the France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec operations of Direct Group.

2011

Najafi was the highest bidder in negotiations to buy out Borders Group from bankruptcy protection, but the bid fell through when Borders was liquidated.

2013

He bid to buy The Boston Globe.

2017

Najafi bid for ownership of Time Inc., competing against bids from Edgar Bronfman Jr., Meredith Corporation, and Pamplona Capital Management.

2018

He invested in Beach House Group, the parent and operating company of several consumer brands with celebrity co-founders.

2021

Najafi invested in Scarlett Johansson's eco-friendly, plant-based skincare line, The Outset.

2021

Najafi Cos. signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire all the assets of Classic Vacations from Expedia Group.

2022

The Najafi Companies closed its acquisition of STX Entertainment from ErosSTX.

2022

MSP Sports Capital, led by Najafi, acquired a majority interest from ESPN Productions for the X Games.

Najafi lives in Arizona with his wife, Cheryl Najafi, and their three children.

1987

Najafi published a book titled "Elements of Design for a Commercial Mortgage Security: An Issuer's Primer".

Jahm Najafi : FAQs

What is Jahm Najafi's current net worth?

Jahm Najafi's current net worth is $1.67 billion.

What is Jahm Najafi's current global rank among billionaires?

Jahm Najafi holds the 2379th position globally among billionaires.

What is Jahm Najafi's current ranking within the United States?

Jahm Najafi holds the 759th position in United States.

What was the change in Jahm Najafi's net worth compared to the previous year?

Jahm Najafi's net worth increased by 371 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 1.30 billion dollars.

What are Jahm Najafi's main sources of wealth?

Jahm Najafi's main source of income comes from Investments.

In which industry does Jahm Najafi primarily operate?

Jahm Najafi is primarily involved in the Finance & Investments industry.

What is Jahm Najafi educational background?

Jahm Najafi holds a Bachelor of Arts/Economics from the University of California Berkeley.

How old is Jahm Najafi?

Jahm Najafi is 63 years old.

How many children does Jahm Najafi have?

Jahm Najafi has 3 children.

Who is Jamshid Jahm Najafi and what is his connection to the NBA and McLaren Racing?

Jamshid Jahm Najafi is an Iranian-American billionaire businessman, the manager of The Najafi Companies, a private equity firm. He serves as the vice chairman of the NBA's Phoenix Suns and of McLaren Racing, showcasing his diverse interests in sports and business.

What are Jamshid Jahm Najafi's academic achievements?

Jamshid Jahm Najafi holds a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master's degree in business economics from Harvard University, completed in 1986.

Can you outline the major milestones in Jamshid Jahm Najafi's career?

Jamshid Jahm Najafi began his career at Salomon Brothers, later becoming CEO of Pivotal Private Equity and COO of The Pivotal Group. He founded The Najafi Companies in 2002 and has made significant investments in various industries. Additionally, he has held positions like the chair of the board of trustees of Phoenix Country Day School, and was named to the Phoenix Business Journal's Forty under 40 list in 2001.

What significant investments has Jamshid Jahm Najafi made through The Najafi Companies?

Through The Najafi Companies, Jamshid Jahm Najafi has made significant investments including purchasing Network Solutions from Verisign Inc. and selling it for a substantial profit, acquiring Pert Plus shampoo and Sure deodorant brands, and investing in modern ventures like Scarlett Johansson's eco-friendly skincare line, The Outset.

What personal details are known about Jamshid Jahm Najafi?

Jamshid Jahm Najafi lives in Arizona with his wife, Cheryl Najafi, and their three children. He has contributed significantly to both the business world and his local community, balancing professional achievements with a family-oriented lifestyle.