Nabi Saleh | |
---|---|
Born |
Nabi Saleh Iran |
Residence | Australia |
Education | Masters degree in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics |
Occupation | Chief Executive Officer |
Employer | Gloria Jean's Coffees |
Known for | Tea & Coffee Industry |
Term | 1996 - Present |
Successor | Incumbent |
Spouse(s) | Angela |
Children | Nicole, Danielle |
Nabi Saleh is an Iranian Australian businessman and commodities trader, known for his role in purchasing Gloria Jean's Coffees and taking it worldwide. He also currently serves as an elder of the Hillsong Church.
Saleh was born in Iran and grew up in various countries including India. His family background in involved in the tea business (from his mother's side). He is married to Angela with daughters Nicole and Danielle, both of whom also work for Gloria Jean's. He holds a master's degree in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
Saleh followed his wife-to-be Angela to Australia in 1973. Lacking local work experience, he went to Papua New Guinea to help establish tea plantations with Australian New Guinea (ANG) Holdings. He oversaw the marketing and manufacturing of tea and coffee in Papua New Guinea and continues to consult with the Australian and PNG governments.
From 1978, Saleh developed Asco, a medium-sized coffee company from revenues of $250,000 to $15 million. Asco was then acquired by Burns Philp. He then started Columbia Coffee and Tea in 1983, Tea and Coffee Traders in 1986, and in 1989 established Maranatha Import Exports, representing ConAgra Foods in Australia. Maranatha supplied supermarket chains Woolworths, Coles, Franklins and David's Holdings.
Saleh also worked for Traveland International, where he was responsible for the procurement of hotel rooms on a worldwide basis.
In 1995, he purchased Gloria Jean's Coffees and a year later he formed Jireh International Pty Ltd, which now holds the global rights to Gloria Jeans' franchising.
Saleh became a Christian in 1978 at a Kenneth Copeland convention, is a Pentecostal Christian, and is a board member of Hillsong Church.
The Gloria Jean’s Coffees story began in 1979 in a small town just north of Chicago, USA where the company’s namesake, Gloria Jean Kvetko and her husband Ed saw the opportunity to offer specialty gourmet coffees in a warm and friendly atmosphere. With appreciation for quality coffee growing, the concept became a success and Gloria Jean’s Coffees outlets opened around the USA.