We are grateful for their commitment to a borderless expansion of the opportunities that come with higher education.. Suburbs, big cities and even small towns are home to corporations created primarily to conceal the true source of money flowing to super PACs that spend millions of dollars to influence elections. The United States is a country of immigrants, each group of people [32][33], On 7 December 2021, Jahm Najafi's Najafi Companies announced that it had reached an agreement to acquire STX Entertainment from ErosSTX for US$173 million. He came to America from Iran to get an education and earned four degrees from three universities. The company has no website or internet presence and doesnt appear to serve any purpose other than giving to political groups. Iranian-American investors who happen to be politically active. "We have been impressed with the artistic excellence, the strong leadership, and the financial stability of Ballet Arizona over the years," said Francis Najafi, Founder and CEO of Pivotal. Najafi was also a founding partner of Social Venture . chosen a more deserving recipient of this award that celebrates awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for outstanding citizenship, Restoring Arizonas Integrity made all of its independent expenditures $59,796 in the. However, National Vista did something of note besides bankrolling a super PAC. Najafi worked for Salomon Brothers, a Wall Street firm that became part of Citigroup, before he served as CEO of Pivotal Private Equity and partner and COO of the parent company, The Pivotal Group, which he ran with his brother, Francis Najafi. Except for the Revolving Door section, content on this site is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License by OpenSecrets.org. subject to the rules of our, THIS STORY HAS BEEN FORMATTED FOR EASY PRINTING, Report: Warrant Issued for Roggies Bar Owner, Boston Pops Concert Move Keeps the Beach Boys, Ditches Joey McIntyre, Lawmakers pass compounding pharmacy oversight bill, Follow this list on Twitter: @BostonPopular. PHOENIX, AZ - Pivotal Group, Inc., announced the successful acquisition of 21 apartment communities located in Midland, Odessa and Longview, Texas totaling over 3,200 units. To ensure the most secure and best overall experience on our website, we recommend the latest versions of. (TGen); active in the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans "I have a tremendous amount of respect for Francis Najafi (Pivotal's founder and CEO) and the team he has built at Pivotal, where I will have the opportunity to lead the private equity. We have the expertise to assess complex investment opportunities. Locally, Mr. Najafi serves, on the Board of Directors of Sandra Day OConnor Institute, is a Cabinet Member of the Presidents Club at Arizona State University, a Board Member Emeritus and Capital Campaign Chair of Arizona Science Center, and serves on ASUs W.P. Name. xref 0000004555 00000 n (Photo by Wes Clowers). However, National Vista did something of note besides bankrolling a super PAC. Najafi holds an Global management certificate to be available at no cost, in 40 languages. They gave just $20,400 to Republicans during that time. We work across a diverse range of industries, including telecommunications, technology, media, aerospace, consumer, and business services. With our medalists, we see America at its best. A group of creditors who forced the bankruptcy said he stopped paying loans in December 2007. Francis Najafi CEO c5753ccd5d71c0 9d6ee09b348272075e14599 17ce51b948cc 7cdd6cbe9cddd078a. That is so unique to Thunderbird.. It has a local reputation as a lower-income town of small houses, mobile homes, airport hotels, a few industrial businesses and a large abstract steel sculpture called Tri-Point Column by the late sculptor Rod Kagan sitting alone in a field on Abbott Drive. For one, it uses his initials BK, just as Suzanne Kovners company uses the initials SK. Its address is the same as Kovners firm Caxton Alternative Management. The company later acquired the France, Belgium, Switzerland and Quebec operations of Direct Group. ), One month before National Vistas incorporation, Melaleuca made its own $400,000 contribution to SLF, along with a separate $400,000 to, (CLF) on the same date. Suite 201, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403. The Pivotal Foundation has in the last three years given $205,000 to the National Iranian-American Council (NIAC), which has been a vocal advocate for the Iranian nuclear deal the Obama . [18], In 2003, Najafi, through Najafi Cos., purchased Network Solutions from Verisign Inc. for $20 million. Pivotal Group Location 1934 Old Gallows Rd Ste 350, Tysons Corner, Virginia, 22182, United States Description Industry [3][4][10][17], In December 2020, Najafi was announced as the next vice-chairman of McLaren Racing, a Formula One constructor. The learners in the initiativewill receive a badge for each course they complete and a 15-unit accredited certificate upon successful completion of all five courses. Thank you for accessing our content on the Topio Networks Market Intelligence Center. The club would be thoughtfully visioned to create something truly unique, reaching beyond the traditional country club offerings. He has made such an amount from his various business. adding to the rich diversity and cultural hodgepodge that makes America DPUS didnt limit its political giving to federal elections. [8][9], Najafi has also been on the boards of directors of; The Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft,[10] Greater Phoenix Economic Council,[11] Phoenix Art Museum,[12] and EastWest Institute. All Rights Reserved. All rights reserved. "Having finished his undergraduate study in engineering, Francis obtained two masters degrees from the American Graduate School . When he needed a steadier paycheck, Karl went on to work in accounting and received his MBA at Vanderbilt. In this case, the source of the money is Kovner, but it takes some digging to figure that out, and BK2s contributions arent always disclosed as such. in the midst of the heated Senate election between Democrat Kyrsten Sinema and Republican Martha McSally. He is also a graduate of Thunderbird School of Global Management ('77) as is his wife. Unlike other MLM companies, products are sold online and shipped directly to the consumer. Later he broadened Pivotal Group's mandate, successfully investing in private equity and growth venture opportunities. As an immigrant some five decades ago, I learned the value of education. Subscribe to see more. "It was a most unusual agreement," said Richard Aaron, a retired University of Utah bankruptcy-law professor and Promontory's auctioneer. Promontory, valued at $560 million before the recession took hold a year ago, was sold for just $30 million to a developer who walked away from $350 million in loans packaged by Credit Suisse and sold to hedge funds and other investors. 0000005917 00000 n [14][15] While Sarver served his season-long suspension in September 2022, Najafi was considered a candidate to take on the role of interim team governor for the Suns before the position was ultimately given to Sam Garvin. Phoenix, AZ 85018. In 2005, Mr. Najafi established the Pivotal Foundation, as a charitable vehicle to give back to society and provide patronage for international awareness initiatives . 0000161571 00000 n The offices are home to a number of investment and banking firms and, according to FEC filings, theyre also home to an unknown corporation called DPUS LLC that contributed $100,000 to the liberal Senate Majority PAC in the midst of the heated Senate election between Democrat Kyrsten Sinema and Republican Martha McSally. Picture courtesy of Thunderbird College of International Administration at ASU. Pivotal Private Equity has 2,525 employees, of which 5 are in a . By using this website you consent to the use of cookies. North of downtown, in an affluent suburb near the Biltmore Golf Club played by presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford and George H.W. The deal is subject to a 45-day period where ErosSTX may solicit other offers; if ErosSTX declines the offer, it must pay a $4.5 million breakup fee. in the midst of the Arizona gubernatorial election between Doug Ducey and Fred DuVal. 6 0 obj <> endobj Najafi Companies did not respond to a request for comment on any potential connection with DPUS. Like Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, of the Amway multi-level marketing fortune, VanderSloot is a supporter of charter schools and spent $2 million to found the American Heritage Charter School in his home, Idaho Falls. that attract people from around the globe. By the second year, the program will be expanded across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America to at least 25 languages. Pivotal's Private Equity practice, which is traditionally oriented around full buyouts. Pivotal Group CEO and founder and developer of Promontory, F. Francis Najafi, found inspiration in the massive 7,200 acre landscape to create a timeless mountain club for all ages. [4][21][22], Najafi and his company Najafi Cos. were named highest bidder in negotiations to buy out Borders Group from bankruptcy protection in 2011. 0000002534 00000 n Mr. Najafi has received several honors including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the NCCJ Humanitarian Award, Thunderbird Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award for Achievement as an Entrepreneur, and was honored as a Thunderbird Global Leader with the unveiling of the Najafi Global Mindset Institute at Thunderbird School of Global Management. [2] [3] Contents 1 Early life and education 2 Career 3 Philanthropy and recognition 4 Personal life In addition to his professional success, this father of . Mr. Najafi currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Global Capacity, on the Board of Directors of the EastWest Institute, active in the World Presidents Organization (WPO) and Chief Executives Organization (CEO). 0000006605 00000 n The business wasted little time jumping into politics, giving $400,000 to the Mitch McConnell-aligned Senate Leadership Fund (SLF) on Oct. 17, 2018. Thank you for your continued support. So-called dark money contributions come from a diverse cross-section of the American landscape. Chief Executive Officer @ Pivotal Group Preparing Francis profile View Francis's Email & Phone (It's Free) 5 free lookups per month. To ensure the most secure and best overall experience on our website we recommend the latest versions of, Internet Explorer is no longer supported. Francis Najafi is an Iranian-American businessman and investor. leading telecommunications information and logistics company, and has Francis Najafi is one of Thunderbirds most notable, successful and The LLCs address, 200 Owen Parkway Circle, is the same as Lone Mountain Truck Leasing, and its registered agent in Iowa is Andy Lucht, CFO of the truck company. Najafi has referred to The Central Park as his "legacy project," creating something that is unique, long-lasting, and perhaps serving as a model for . A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization, 1100 13th Street, NW, Suite 800 In 2015, Huffington Post reported that Francis may have used a shell company called Tread Standard LLC to transfer $150,000 to a pro-Jeb Bush super PAC. The Valley's Most Powerful Men2011 - Page 6. Learn more about theFrancis and Dionne Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative. We focus on companies and projects that lead in their market segments, show growth potential, and exhibit attractive margins. Mr. Najafi is also a patron on numerous cultural and civic organizations. The courses, which include subjects such as global leadership, customer experience and global entrepreneurship, launch in April. (Photo by Wes Clowers). For the first time since December 30, the Sun Devil women's basketball team (8-5, 0-0 Pac-12) will return to action on Friday (5 p.m. MST) when it hosts No. Since 2001, we have generated a substantial economic impact to Summit County, including $2 billion in construction projects, $90 million in property tax revenue, $340,000 for affordable housing, $1.2 million in grants to local non-profits, $3 million-plus in agriculture protection fees, $84 million in employee wages plus an additional $84 41 0 obj <>stream Francis Najafi See All CEO & Executives The Inside Scoop Since 1982, Pivotal Private Equity, a real estate investment and development company, has been dealing with commercial and residential clients. The law firm, located in a suburban office building with other law firms, a financial services firm and a teak furniture store, did not respond to a request for comment. The company asserts that its products are healthier and more environmentally-friendly than national brands. Just a stones throw from Park City, generations of families could pursue active recreation amid a diverse array of superb amenities, while completely immersed in nature. Najafi said he believes sales will pick up in a year or two, making Promontory viable again. Tyler Rives and Francis Najafi of Pivotal . Francis Najafi. Copyright 2021 Pars Equality Center. ancestors. Based on our data team's research, Jahm Najafi is the Pivotal Private Equity's CEO. 22/23 Colorado (13-2, 2-2 Pac-12) at Desert Financial Arena. Sign up for our newsletter to track moneys influence on U.S. elections and public policy. Chief Executive Officer. acquired and sold Network Solutions, a leading provider of Web-based Top image: Thunderbird School of Global Management headquarters in downtown Phoenix. , while Blue Magnolia Investments contribution was re-attributed to Berkshire Hathaway Automotive CEO Larry Van Tuyl, signaling that shedding light on these straw donors can force real disclosure. F. Francis Najafi, CEO and founder of Phoenix-based Pivotal Group, is being awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations. He founded the privately held firm 30 years ago, investing in landmark properties. [26] The company invested approximately $200 million to Jeff Berg's talent agency, Resolution, after Najafi negotiated the deal in 2013. The takeover required a buyer to raise millions more to keep operations at Promontory going. Francis Najafi is a '77 alum of Thunderbird, and his wife, Dionne, is an '06 alum. Their typical investments range from $25MM-$250MM. For example, BK2 Holdings, a Princeton Junction, New Jersey-based company that gave $500,000 to SLF in 2017, is clearly linked to billionaire GOP donor Bruce Kovner in several ways. Jahm Najafi is an Iranian-American businessman who runs a private-equity firm, Najafi Companies. Script error: No such module "AfC topic". Pivotal focused on the purchase of . 0000170314 00000 n The group aired multiple television ads to attack Cherny, him a Washington, D.C. insider in another. We have the expertise to assess complex investment opportunities. startxref [13][14], Some of the organizations that have benefitted from Najafi's Pivotal Foundation which was established in 2005 includeBallet Arizona (to assist in performance production),[15][16] PARSA Community Foundation. at Read More sale of $100 million to $1 billion. Between 2015 and 2016, the group. 0000003204 00000 n In 1972, Najafi moved to Arizona where he attended Arizona State University. Francis is much more prolific and conservative. unwavering efforts to advance global business and global citizenship, VanderSloot was, national finance co-chair for fellow Mormon Mitt Romneys 2012 presidential race. He is also on the Board of Directors of the Quincy Institute, active in the Worlds Presidents Organization (WPO) and Chief Executives Organization (CEO). [11][12], Najafi was a founding partner of Social Venture Partners, a philanthropic venture capital fund that invests in emerging nonprofit organizations, as well as on the board of Urban Land Institute and the Arizona State University Committee for Design Excellence. foundation board member of the Translational Genomics Research Institute Quan, 602-373-2400. At USC, he began his entrepreneurial activities while a PhD candidate in International Political Economy. Francis Najafi is owner of The Pivotal Group, a long-time Phoenix businessman and philanthropist. Jahm Najafi has a brother called Francis Najafi with whom he runs The Pivotal Group, a firm that focused on the purchase of major commercial properties in California Jahm Najafi Net Worth According to reports, Jahm Najafi has an estimated net worth of $3.5 billion. The fact that Najafi was able to buy his own project back so cheaply is a reflection of the turbulence in credit markets. Pivotal's real. Obtain the property report and read it before signing anything. Later he broadened Pivotal Group's mandate successfully investing in private equity and . He and his wife Dionne have given a total of $590,933 to Republican candidates and causes and $136,600 to Democratic ones. Mr. Najafi completed his B.S. Dallas-based Highland Capital Management, a hedge fund that owns about 40 percent of the loans, didn't return calls from The Associated Press. Page 6 of 9. "There is a large body of people around the world who have no access to education," said Francis Najafi, who came to the United States from Iran and founded Pivotal Group, a real estate opportunity fund. The Promontory vision guided the creation of the development of unique club structures harmonious with the land. Jamshid Jahm Najafi (born March 1963)[1] is an Iranian-American billionaire[2] businessman. Pivotal funds its investments with internally generated capital, allowing speed, flexibility, and patience to deliver todays most innovative products and services to the market and build industry leading companies and projects. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The company has no website or internet presence and doesnt appear to serve any purpose other than giving to political groups. [13][6][27], In 2014, Najafi, through Najafi Cos., invested between $75 and $100 million to Paula Deen and Paula Deen Ventures to fuel her rebranding after she was fired from The Food Network in June 2013. Contact Tyler Rives equity and real estate. Founded by CEO Francis Najafi, Pivotal Group is a diversified investment company primarily focused on private equity and real estate. , which would spend $494,438 to oppose Sinemas Republican opponent Vernon Parker. Under the FECs current makeup, its debatable whether the agency would classify some of the above political contributors as shell companies at all. We do not acquire companies from management teams; we partner with them. All prices, incentives, locations, descriptions, options, and terms are subject to change without notice. Najafi countered that Credit Suisse agreed to loan money he says he didn't even need and that the bank was a victim of its own excess. Pivotal Private Equity Company Rankings The list of its authors can be seen in its historicaland/or the page Edithistory:Francis Najafi. Mr. Najafi serves as a Board Member of several private companies. Some of these LLCs, such as DRT, LLC, are easier to track than others. Mr. Najafi is one of six Iranian-Americans to receive the Ellis Island Before becoming CEO of Pivotal Private Equity and partner and COO of the parent company, The Pivotal Group, which he headed with his brother, Francis Najafi, Najafi worked for Salomon Brothers, a Wall Street firm that later joined Citigroup. DPUS was incorporated in Delaware in July 2012 and immediately got to work funneling money into Arizona politics, giving a total of $175,000 to a brand new super PAC called. Group is a diversified investment company primarily focused on private F HmQ:!3%=9 Francis Najafi is founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pivotal Group, a thirty year old investment firm with experience in private equity and real estate investments. DC through which more than 12 million immigrants passed in their quest for The commission could rule that National Vista, in producing a document about the hazards of national cleaners, shows that it has a purpose besides acting as a conduit to funnel anonymous contributions. Thunderbird has touched more than 2 million learners in its 75-year history, said Thunderbird Director General and Dean Sanjeev Khagram. Francis Najafi is founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pivotal Group, a forty-year-old investment firm with experience in private equity, growth ventures and real estate investments. endstream endobj 7 0 obj <> endobj 8 0 obj <> endobj 9 0 obj <>/ColorSpace<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC]/ExtGState<>>> endobj 10 0 obj <> endobj 11 0 obj <> endobj 12 0 obj <> endobj 13 0 obj [/Indexed/DeviceRGB 250 26 0 R] endobj 14 0 obj <>stream Prior to 2018, DPUS listed in FEC filings the address of its Wilmington, Delaware incorporation agent, Corporation Trust Center at 1209 North Orange Street. One dark money trail leads to Carter Lake, Iowa, population 3,785. F. Francis Najafi is founder and CEO of Pivotal Group, a leading investment company focused on private equity and real estate. A truck leasing company in a small Iowa town is one of several companies linked to nondisclosed dark money contributions during the 2018 election cycle. degree in engineering followed by two Masters Degrees from Thunderbird The School of Global Management, and the University of Southern California (USC). F. Francis Najafi is the American Dream come to life. recipients who represent all sectors and cultures in our society.. Pivotal Group CEO F. Francis Najafi said SnapNurse has been growing thanks to its technology and its "understanding of how to make the process easier for both healthcare professionals and facilities" instead of getting bogged down with lengthy processes and credentialing paperwork. F. Francis Najafi, CEO of Pivotal Group, will join CYR3CON's Board of Directors which currently includes CEO Paulo Shakarian, CTO Jana Shakarian, and Dieter Kraft of Trumpf Ventures. He is a board member of EastWest Institute, a global think-and-do Francis Najafi. %PDF-1.4 % The plan is for a phased approach. Request a free trial. Mr. Najafi started a family of privately held firms 30 Download Full Image. Instastaff is a startup business that provides staffing to business customers seeking shift employees. Prominent holdings include Los Angeles' Century Plaza Hotel and the Ritz-Carlton in Phoenix. The initiative, made attainable by a $25 million donation from the Najafis, will educate and empower 100 million learners by 2030, with 70% of them girls. The group aired multiple television ads to attack Cherny, comparing him to Newt Gingrich in one ad and labeling him a Washington, D.C. insider in another. And former NSA Deputy Director Bill Crowell will also join the board. 0000176062 00000 n into the Congressional Record. . The company has given $2.5 million to GOP outside groups since it began ramping up its political spending in 2011. One of the reasons Arizona State University is so pleased to have Thunderbird as part of our enterprise is because it is a school that has been focused on sustained prosperity worldwide for decades. [3], Najafi has a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of California, Berkeley. Najafi worked for Salomon Brothers, a Wall Street firm that became part of Citigroup, before he served as CEO of Pivotal Private Equity and partner and COO of the parent company, The Pivotal Group, which he ran with his brother, Francis Najafi. For over twenty-five years, Pivotal has been involved with niche residential projects, commercial development, master planned communities, luxury hotel and spa properties, commercial office buildings and other real estate . Thunderbird Dean Sanjeev Khagram celebrates the launch of the 100 million learners international initiative with Francis and Dionne Najafi. Every donation we receive from users like you goes directly into promoting high-quality data analysis and investigative journalism that you can trust. In court on Friday, Credit Suisse didn't support or oppose Najafi's bid, surrendering the battle. "My wife and I think of education as part of your basic human rights. 0000005250 00000 n 0000176450 00000 n He runs Najafi Companies, a Phoenix-based private-equity firm, and is partial owner of the Phoenix Suns NBA team. , and they look to take control positions in companies. The only link to National Vista on the internet is an obscure document that highlights a widely cited study linking national brand cleaning products such as Clorox and Lysol to lung damage. F. Francis Najafi CEO Pivotal Group. Subscribe to see more. (Photo by Joe Jaszewski for The Washington Post via Getty Images). in 2017, is clearly linked to billionaire GOP donor Bruce Kovner in several ways. Our most important investment criterion is an outstanding management team. Learn about Article Alert. Another 1,500 building lots are available across a sprawling sagebrush-covered hill overlooking the ski town of Park City. that is America, said Nasser J. Kazeminy, Chairman of NECO. [5], In May 2011, Najafi received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for outstanding citizenship, individual achievement, and encouragement of cultural unity. Their largest recipient is Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) with $25,700 in contributions. At OpenSecrets.org we offer in-depth, money-in-politics stories in the public interest. Pivotal focused on the purchase of commercial properties, such as The Century Plaza Hotel in Los . Suite 295 Najafi and his brother Francis Najafi founder of 30-year-old Phoenix investment firm Pivotal Group are highly successful Iranian-American investors who happen to be politically active. Opposing bids came from former Warner Music Group executive Edgar Bronfman Jr., Iowa-based company Meredith Corporation, and private equity firm Pamplona Capital Management. services. Najafi said he'll have to spend about $70 million before Promontory recovers. Written by Melissa Larsen. Dan Mahoney, co-chair of Snell & Wilmer's Venture Capital and Private Equity Industry Group. comprise Americas unique cultural mosaic. Your comment is 0000182369 00000 n Island Medal of Honor is sanctioned by the U.S. Congress and entered 2022 Promontory Development, LLC. Use the CB Insights Platform to explore Pivotal Group's full profile. The Pivotal Foundation has in the last three years given $205,000 to the National Iranian-American Council (NIAC), which has been a vocal advocate for the . Najafi, head of the company, invests only his own capital. bG*aA wfmBB FP/v}. economic prosperity and human development around the world.. [1] He is the founder of Pivotal Group - a private equity and real estate investment firm based in Phoenix, Arizona and he is a minor shareholder of the NBA's Phoenix Suns. The federal-level Iranian American PAC has received $15,000 from Francis Najafi, while the groups state-level 527 arm took a $5,000 contribution from DPUS in the 2016 election cycle and another $2,500 from the Jahm Najafi-owned Phoenix Suns in the 2018 cycle. In 1982 he founded Pivotal Group, a real estate opportunity fund with uncanny market timing and wisdom. Additionally, we seek underperforming and distressed properties where we can add value through renovation, repositioning, redeployment, expansion, or capital restructuring. [5][6], Najafi continued his education at the University of Southern California where he worked as a Teachers Assistant (197779) while completing a Masters Degree in International Relations and his Ph.D. candidacy in the International Political Economy program. Pivotal Group is a leading investment company focused on private equity - F. Francis Najafi, CEO of Pivotal Group. Our private mountain club began in 2001, when the world was introduced to the vision of Promontory by an uncompromising developer with extensive experience in building communities and providing high-end hospitality.