Seyed Mohammad Taghi Naqavi is among the distinguished managers and entrepreneurs in Iran’s food industry. His life story and professional journey clearly demonstrate how, with far sighted vision, tireless perseverance, courageous risk-taking, belief in one’s own abilities, and trust in loyal colleagues, one can build something great from nothing, founding a dynamic industrial group with multiple manufacturing, commercial, and service units. He was born in 1968 in the historic city of Isfahan, to a simple but devout family. From childhood, alongside play and innocent joys, he spent much of his time apprenticing under reputable market merchants in Isfahan, learning that the secret of success lies in hard work and honesty. Working by the side of masters in the confectionery and “gaz” (a Persian nougat type sweet) trades was not only a lesson in commerce, but a school for cultivating diligence, craftsmanship, and pride in honorable labor. In his youth, with little capital but abundant courage, he entered the field of commerce. He soon understood that sustainable success isn’t just about buying and selling; true achievement lies in value creation, industrialization, and national production. This forward-looking perspective led him to establish the foundations of what is today the Azam Group. He transformed a small workshop into a large factory named “Shehdineh Aran.” Innovation specialized human resources, continuous improvement, and productivity enhancement have always been among his strategic principles. Subsequently, by founding entities such as Golshahd Grain Refinery, Goldineh (for edible vegetable oils), Shehdaru (producer of pharmaceutical raw materials), and a feed factory for poultry and livestock, and by entering into the field of clean and renewable energy with Azam Energy, he took significant steps toward sustainable development and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. These uninterrupted efforts eventually culminated in the formation of an integrated set of factories and subsidiaries under the name Azam Group, with the motto “Commitment, Excellence, Innovation”—today recognized as one of the pioneers in grain refining (starch and its derivatives) in Iran, with a broad value chain. He has always believed that entrepreneurship is a social mission, that an entrepreneur is obliged to pursue sustainable growth. From his perspective, value creation is not merely about profit but about nurturing human beings; those who, whether they stay in his organization or shine elsewhere, become a source of pride—they are indeed the true capital of this land. Today, as Chairman of the Board of Azam Group, Seyed Mohammad Taghi Naqavi is known not only as a successful industrialist, but as an inspiring figure for Iran’s young generation; a living example showing that through perseverance, courage, faith, and practical action one can turn limitations into opportunities and shape a bright future for oneself and for beloved Iran.
