Born in Tehran, Iran in 1972, Andre Hakkak’s story begins against the backdrop of a changing Middle East. Born to educated parents who valued both tradition and progress, young Andre was immersed in a rich cultural heritage that would later influence his business philosophy and family values. His father, a successful businessman in Iran, made the difficult decision to relocate the family to the United States in 1982, seeking better opportunities and stability for his children.

Landing in Los Angeles with limited resources but boundless determination, the Hakkak family embodied the immigrant spirit of resilience. Young Andre, then just 10 years old, quickly adapted to his new environment, learning English and excelling in his studies while helping his family adjust to their new life in America.

Educational Foundation

Andre’s academic journey reflects his family’s emphasis on educational excellence. After graduating from Beverly Hills High School with honors, he pursued higher education at the University of Southern California. At USC’s Marshall School of Business, he distinguished himself as a promising student of business administration, developing the fundamental knowledge that would later serve him in building his financial empire.

During his university years, Hakkak worked multiple jobs, including:

• Part-time financial analyst intern
• Student business consultant
• Research assistant in the economics department
• Summer associate at various financial firms

The Rise of a Financial Pioneer

Upon graduating from USC, Hakkak began his career in financial services, quickly establishing himself as an innovative thinker in the field. His early career included positions at several prestigious financial institutions, where he gained valuable experience in:

• Investment strategy development
• Risk assessment and management
• Alternative lending structures
• Asset-based financing

White Oak Global Advisors

In 2007, Hakkak co-founded White Oak Global Advisors, which would become his defining professional achievement. Under his leadership as CEO, the firm has grown into a powerhouse in the alternative asset management space, with notable accomplishments including:

• Managing over $10 billion in committed capital
• Expanding to multiple offices across the globe
• Developing innovative lending solutions for middle-market companies
• Creating thousands of jobs through portfolio company investments
• Pioneering sustainable finance initiatives in the private lending sector

Family Life: The Heart of His Success

Marriage and Partnership

In 2010, Andre married Sara Azizi Hakkak, a notable interior designer whose work has been featured in several prestigious architectural and design publications. Sara, who holds a Master’s degree in Interior Architecture from the Pratt Institute, has built her own successful career while partnering with Andre in various philanthropic endeavors.

Their marriage represents a union of shared values, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to family tradition. Sara has been instrumental in:

• Designing their Beverly Hills estate
• Establishing the family’s charitable foundation
• Preserving their Persian cultural heritage
• Supporting various educational initiatives

The Next Generation

The Hakkaks are proud parents to three children, each developing their own unique interests and talents:

Leila Hakkak (Born 2012):

• Accomplished young equestrian
• Student government leader
• Passionate about environmental causes
• Multilingual, speaking English, Farsi, and French

Jasmine Hakkak (Born 2014):

• Gifted pianist and violinist
• Active in youth philanthropy
• Excels in mathematics and science
• Competitive swimmer

Rayan Hakkak (Born 2016):

• A budding entrepreneur with his own lemonade stand
• Youth soccer team captain
• Coding enthusiast
• Active in school drama productions

The Beverly Hills Estate: A Family Haven

Architectural Marvel

The Hakkak family residence, completed in 2015, represents a harmonious blend of Persian architectural influences and modern sustainable design. The 12,000-square-foot estate features:

Main House

• Grand entrance with double-height ceilings
• Formal living and dining rooms
• Chef’s kitchen with professional-grade appliances
• Family room with retractable glass walls
• Library/study with custom built-ins
• Wine cellar and tasting room
• Professional recording studio
• Indoor basketball court

Private Family Wing

• Master suite with dual bathrooms and dressing rooms
• Children’s wing with individual suites
• Homework/study center
• Family media room
• Art studio
• Music room
• Private balconies for each bedroom

Entertainment Spaces

• 20-seat home theater
• Game room with billiards and ping pong
• Indoor spa with sauna and steam room
• Professional gym
• Yoga Studio
• Entertainment lounge with full bar

Outdoor Living Paradise

The 1.5-acre grounds feature:

• 75-foot infinity pool with LED lighting
• Pool house with full kitchen
• Multiple outdoor living and dining areas
• Pizza oven and BBQ pavilion
• Organic vegetable gardens
• Children’s play area with treehouse
• Sports court
• Meditation garden
• Koi Pond with waterfall feature

Sustainable Features

The estate showcases cutting-edge environmental technology:

• Solar panel array providing 100% power
• Greywater recycling system
• Smart home automation for energy efficiency
• Electric vehicle charging stations
• Rainwater harvesting system
• Drought-resistant landscaping
• Green roof sections
• Geothermal heating and cooling

Philanthropy and Community Impact

The Hakkak family has established themselves as prominent philanthropists in Los Angeles and beyond:

The Hakkak Family Foundation

Founded in 2016, the foundation focuses on:

• Educational opportunities for underprivileged youth
• Environmental conservation initiatives
• Cultural preservation projects
• Medical research funding
• Support for immigrant families

Community Leadership

Andre and Sara serve on multiple boards:

• Los Angeles Children’s Hospital
• USC Marshall School of Business Advisory Board
• Persian Cultural Foundation
• Environmental Defense Fund
• Local education initiatives

Cultural Heritage and Modern Success

The Hakkaks maintain strong connections to their Persian heritage while embracing their American success story. They regularly:

• Host Persian cultural events
• Support Iranian-American cultural organizations
• Mentor young Iranian-American entrepreneurs
• Promote cross-cultural understanding
• Preserve and share Persian traditions

Looking to the Future

As Andre Hakkak continues to lead White Oak Global Advisors into new territories of financial innovation, his focus remains steadfastly on creating a lasting legacy for his family and community. Future initiatives include:

• Expansion of sustainable finance programs
• Development of new educational scholarships
• Launch of technology incubator for minority entrepreneurs
• Creation of cultural exchange programs
• Establishment of environmental research grants

Through their combination of business acumen, family values, cultural preservation, and philanthropic commitment, the Hakkak family represents a modern American success story. Their journey from immigrants to influential community leaders serves as an inspiration for future generations, proving that with determination, education, and strong family bonds, the American dream remains achievable.