Los Angeles, CA, March 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zaya Younan, an American billionaire entrepreneur and global innovator, has forged a remarkable path across multiple industries, leaving a profound impact on each one. Born in Assyria and immigrating to the United States at the age of 13 with only $25 and a Bible, Younan’s life embodies unwavering determination, visionary thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit.
From an early age, he embraced hard work to fund his education, laying the groundwork for a career defined by major contributions to engineering and innovation. During his tenure in the automotive sector, Younan made pioneering advancements in airbag technology that reshaped vehicle safety around the world. His ingenuity also extended to aerospace technology, notably in semiconductor chip manufacturing, which has influenced communication and navigation systems, as well as automotive safety features.
Holding over 1,200 global patents, Younan ranks among today’s foremost inventors. His trailblazing work on automotive navigation systems and voice-recognition technology has shaped many everyday consumer products, including smartphones and vehicle systems. Beyond consumer tech, his influence reaches into the oil and gas industries, setting new benchmarks for safety and operational best practices.
Younan’s entrepreneurial scope broadened when he founded Younan Properties, a commercial real estate firm managing assets worth more than $5.8 billion. By combining strategic investments with a keen ability to anticipate economic trends, he has established himself as a formidable figure in global finance. His expertise in mergers, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, and bond and currency trading has been evident in transactions exceeding $3 trillion, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most accomplished dealmakers in modern finance.
Building on his financial success, Younan pursued luxury hospitality through La Maison Younan, a curated collection of luxurious hotels and resorts in France and Portugal. Destinations such as Alexandra Palace, Domaine de Vaugouard, Château Le Prieuré, Château de Beauvois, Hotel Saint Martin, La Perrière, and Chateau & Golf Malibu Foz reflect his commitment to elegance, impeccable service, and refined living. Each property is a testament to meticulous restoration and unparalleled quality standards.
Simultaneously, Younan ventured into the wine and spirits sphere with Younan Wine Estates. Stretching across some of France’s most esteemed wine regions, these vineyards produce award-winning varietals under labels like Chateau La Croix Younan, Château La Croix Saint Georges, and Château La Croix Younan Fombrauge. Further diversifying his portfolio, Younan introduced a line of cognacs and vodkas in Cognac, France, earning global praise for their distinctive excellence and taste.
Younan’s most celebrated achievement in premium tobacco is El Septimo Cigars, synonymous with luxury and innovation. With over 55 unique blends, including the groundbreaking Vartan the Dragon cigar, El Septimo surpasses established brands such as Cuban Habanos, Davidoff, Arturo Fuente, and Padrón. By merging precise agricultural practices with refined fermentation techniques borrowed from Bordeaux winemaking, El Septimo has revolutionized cigar standards worldwide.
Adding to his achievements, Younan owns MPA Creation, the world’s second-largest luxury design and branding firm based in Paris. Under Younan’s leadership, MPA Creation is reshaping the luxury landscape, challenging renowned fashion houses like LVMH, Dior, Gucci, and Hermès through strategic acquisitions and pioneering product lines.
El Septimo has also emerged as the fastest-growing cigar brand globally, gaining recognition for its technological approach throughout the production process—from seed cultivation to final manufacturing. This emphasis on innovation and quality sets El Septimo apart among aficionados worldwide.
Philanthropy is integral to Younan’s mission, with more than half of his estimated $2.2 billion fortune donated to religious causes and social initiatives aimed at reducing hunger and homelessness. This commitment underlines his personal ethos and dedication to meaningful change.
Today, Zaya Younan continues to expand his legacy across luxury, hospitality, and consumer sectors, turning his early dreams into a living testament of the American dream. His life story, from an immigrant with limited resources to a global innovator, reflects a passionate pursuit of excellence and an unwavering drive for innovation—making Zaya Younan a name that will resonate for generations to come.
Attachments
Alexandra Younan El Septimo Geneva 8187039600 AYounan@younancompany.com
