Manoucher Mashouf arrived in the United States from Tehran as a teenager, eventually settling in San Francisco. He established a commercial footprint that evolved from managing a steakhouse into the founding of the retail fashion brand Bebe Stores. His career trajectory bridged the gap between early retail entrepreneurship and large-scale corporate executive leadership during the late twentieth century.
Academic Foundation and Early Ventures
Mashouf pursued his education at San Francisco State University, where he completed a degree in political science in 1966. His initial professional experience in the United States occurred in the restaurant sector, where he managed a steakhouse during the early 1970s. This period provided the operational foundation for his transition into the apparel industry, where he launched his own fashion line in 1976.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Expansion and Market Position
As the chairman and manager of Bebe Stores, Mashouf oversaw the company's growth until its initial public offering in 1998. By 2006, his personal wealth was estimated at US$1.5 billion, leading to his inclusion in the Forbes list of the richest Americans at rank 242. His net worth experienced a market adjustment by 2007, shifting to US$1.3 billion. Following this period, he expanded his business interests into film production, partnering with Giovanni Agnelli and Scott Bloom in 2007 to establish Argonaut Pictures.
Retail Liquidation and Philanthropy
The business climate for Bebe Stores shifted significantly by the mid-2010s. In 2015, Mashouf announced the sale of his 59% stake in the company. By the end of May 2017, all physical retail locations had closed and liquidated their inventory. Parallel to his corporate activities, Mashouf engaged in significant philanthropic efforts, including a $10 million pledge to San Francisco State University in 2005. While originally intended for a performing arts facility, these funds were redirected to the construction of the Mashouf Wellness Center.
Personal Life and Assets
In 1984, Mashouf married Neda Nobari, who served as the manager of merchandise and vice chairman at Bebe. The couple had two children, Daria and Iman. Their marriage ended in divorce in 2006, at which time Neda Mashouf resigned from her roles at the company. In 2017, Mashouf completed the sale of his residence in the Bel-Air neighborhood of Los Angeles for US$30 million.
Fast facts
- Born: 1938, Tehran, Iran
- Education: San Francisco State University, 1966
- Business founded: Bebe Stores, 1976
- Public offering: Bebe Stores, 1998
- Production company: Argonaut Pictures, 2007
- Philanthropic pledge: $10 million, 2005
- Bel-Air home sale price: US$30 million, 2017
Questions readers ask
What happened to Bebe Stores?
After Manny Mashouf sold his 59% stake in 2015, the company liquidated all inventory and closed all physical store locations by May 2017.
What is the Mashouf Wellness Center?
It is a facility at San Francisco State University funded by a $10 million pledge originally intended by Mashouf for a performing arts center.
Achievements
- Educated at San Francisco State University
