Honoring the Legacy of Ezzat Zahrai: A Visionary of Ethical Business
With profound sadness, yet deep gratitude for a life of service and inspiration, we remember Ezzat Zahrai, original co-founder of in 1990. Ezzat’s passing marks the loss of a remarkable soul who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, ethical business, and the transformation of society through values-driven action. His legacy will forever be woven into the fabric of EBBF and the countless lives he touched.
Born in Persia, Ezzat grew up in a world of contrasts — where ancient traditions met the demands of a rapidly modernizing society. From his childhood in Qazvin, his early exposure to the Bahá’í Faith instilled in him a commitment to service, knowledge, and the unshakable belief in the oneness of humanity. These principles became the foundation of his lifelong mission: to align work with purpose, and business with ethics.
Wendi Momen, a fellow member of the original group that co-founded ebbf in 1990 remembers Ezzat and his relationship with George Starcher (in the photo) “Ezzat and George Starcher connected on so many levels, they really were buddies. At the time they were part of a very small minority with that vision about business, a vision that has the spiritual and the material balanced and nurturing a culture of service.”
As Mahmud Samandari who was part of ebbf from those early days commented “Ezzat was a true citizen of the world having served humanity in many continents in his personal spiritual and business endeavours.”
Ezzat’s journey was one of resilience, perseverance, and vision. Whether navigating challenges as a young professional in Tehran, pioneering Bahá’í-inspired initiatives in Europe, or bringing together diverse individuals under the umbrella of ethical business, he embodied the very ideals he championed. His work with the Bahá’í community and his commitment to teaching were not merely responsibilities; they were reflections of his soul’s calling. He understood that knowledge, when coupled with service, becomes a force for transformation.
Mahmud Samandari added “He was an influential person in the French business community, member of associations, and most of all he was a curious person, able to establish personal human relationship with everyone, regardless of their age. He paid the same attention to a child and to a CEO. He was a real human connector.”
As a co-founder of EBBF, Ezzat played a pivotal role in shaping a global learning community dedicated to ethical leadership, social responsibility, and sustainable enterprise. He saw business not as an end in itself, but as a means to contribute to a prosperous, just, and sustainable civilization. His ability to inspire, mentor, and uplift others was unparalleled, and through his words and actions, he ignited a movement that continues to grow and evolve.
Wendi Momen added “His wife Annette and Ezzat created a wonderful environment at events they organized in which their entertained and brought a great diversity of people there. They were always very generous with their time, their home and activities.”
Ezzat’s wisdom, kindness, and unwavering faith in humanity leave an indelible mark on all who knew him. He reminded us that ethical business is not just a concept — it is a way of life, a commitment to integrity, and a testament to the power of collective action. While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the extraordinary life he led and the enduring impact of his work.
Wendi Momen shared “Ezzat was always keen on young people being involved, starting from his own children with his daughter Valerie taking on the responsibility of starting the first ebbf young professionals group”.
To honor his legacy, let us continue the journey he began. Let us strive to build workplaces that uplift the human spirit, economies that serve justice, and communities that nurture innovation with purpose. As Ezzat so often exemplified, true leadership is found in service, and the greatest tribute we can offer him is to carry forward the values he held dear.
May his soul rest in peace, and may his vision continue to guide and inspire us all.
