OUR LEGACY
The Espili Group was founded in 1976 by Mehraz Kaviani Espili (MKE), a visionary entrepreneur whose global relationships and strategic insight laid the foundation for the firm’s international presence. Prior to immigrating to the United States, MKE served in the military before pursuing higher education, earning degrees from Texas Tech University and the University of Houston in International Economics, Urban and Regional Planning, and Political Science. In 1976, at the invitation of the U.S. Department of State, MKE met with U.S. President Gerald Ford — an early recognition of his growing international engagement.
MKE served as Vice President and Partner of The Mutual Corporation (TMC), established by an influential Saudi Arabian group. Through TMC, he played a key role in the successful procurement of three of Saudi Arabia’s most significant aviation infrastructure projects: King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam for the House of Saud.
Throughout his career, MKE provided strategic counsel to leading international firms, including National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC) of Abu Dhabi, Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC) of Athens, and the Al Masaood Group of Abu Dhabi. He also served as Director of Business Development for the Industrial Development Corporation’s Oil & Gas Industry division, working in joint ventures with ABB of Germany, Nichimen of Japan, and Petral of Indonesia.
Leveraging deep relationships across the global energy and infrastructure sectors, MKE facilitated the entry of qualified international companies into the Middle East across oil & gas, mining, construction, aviation, automotive, medical, and related industries. Over nearly five decades, he cultivated the trust and confidence of world leaders, executives, and influential stakeholders throughout the United States, Europe, Southeast Asia, China, and the greater Middle East.
Today, MKE’s legacy continues through his sons, Shabawn and Kahran, who carry forward the Espili vision with a modernized, growth-driven approach. Building upon the relationships, integrity, and global perspective established by their father, they are leading The Espili Group into its next chapter — expanding its strategic capabilities while honoring the foundation upon which it was built.