Alireza Ardekani – Chief Executive Officer
Alireza Ardekani is the Chief Executive Officer of Farhang Foundation, the world’s largest and most impactful Iranian cultural and arts organization, with an annual reach of over 17 million people worldwide. Since joining Farhang Foundation as Executive Director in 2014, Alireza has led the organization through a decade of unprecedented growth, expanding its programming, global presence, and impact.
With over thirty years of experience in leading innovative organizations, Alireza specializes in marketing strategy, partnership development, project management, and digital promotions. His career includes working with some of the world’s most iconic entertainment brands, including The Walt Disney Studios, Disney Channel, Miramax Films, Playboy Entertainment, and NBC Entertainment, where he successfully launched multi-million-dollar projects, global marketing campaigns, television networks, and digital platforms.
Born in Tehran, Iran, and raised in Lausanne, Switzerland, Alireza is fluent in Persian, French, and English. A passionate advocate for Iranian arts and culture, he has had the privilege of extensively exploring Iran and immersing himself in its rich and diverse heritage. He is a proud Iranian American and a graduate of the University of Southern California, where he earned a BA in Communications from the Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism, with a minor in Cinema & Television from the School of Cinematic Arts.
Beyond his professional achievements, Alireza is an avid traveler, concertgoer, and design enthusiast. He has a deep appreciation for world cultures, art, film, music, and cuisine, especially the vibrant culinary landscape of Southern California.
