Islamic Azad University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Islamic Azad University has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, academic leadership, hospital administration, and association management.

Operating as a massive global academic network, Islamic Azad University advances higher education through a comprehensive system of colleges and research centers across multiple international territories.

Leadership Roles at Islamic Azad University

  • Chief Executive Officer - Samaneh Jalili
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Hossein Hakimpour
  • Chief Financial Officer - Shahram Azizi
  • President - Mohsen Pournamdari
  • President, Administration Hospitals - Bahareh Fathalizadeh
  • President Association - Mohammad Pahlavanian
  • Samaneh Jalili - Chief Executive Officer

    Samaneh Jalili, the Chief Executive Officer at Islamic Azad University, directs the overarching strategic vision for this expansive private university system. Overseeing the integration of academic standards across diverse international satellite branches, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent educational quality from Tehran to the United Kingdom. This leadership role involves managing complex institutional growth while maintaining the university's status as a premier global comprehensive system. By aligning administrative goals with long-term academic objectives, Samaneh Jalili drives the expansion of research capabilities and community college outreach. The Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the board to optimize resource allocation across the Middle East and beyond. Through rigorous oversight of institutional policies, the Chief Executive Officer maintains operational excellence. Ultimately, Jalili secures the university's position as a leader in private higher education by fostering innovation and maintaining high academic standards across all global campuses.

    Hossein Hakimpour - Deputy Chief Executive Officer

    Hossein Hakimpour, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Islamic Azad University, executes operational workflows that support the university's massive academic infrastructure. Managing the day-to-day logistics of the comprehensive system, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer ensures that satellite branches in countries like Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates function in harmony with the headquarters in Tehran. This role involves streamlining administrative processes to enhance student services and faculty support. By implementing efficient management protocols, Hossein Hakimpour facilitates the seamless operation of colleges and community centers. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer collaborates with regional directors to address specific market needs within the education sector. Through constant monitoring of institutional performance metrics, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer optimizes internal systems for maximum efficiency. Ultimately, Hakimpour strengthens the university's operational backbone, ensuring that the vast network remains agile and responsive to the evolving demands of global higher education.

    Shahram Azizi - Chief Financial Officer

    Shahram Azizi, the Chief Financial Officer at Islamic Azad University, architects the fiscal strategy for one of the world's largest comprehensive university systems. Overseeing the financial health of diverse colleges and international branches, the Chief Financial Officer manages complex budgeting processes and capital investments. This leadership role involves ensuring fiscal sustainability while supporting the expansion of academic programs across Iran and international territories. By monitoring revenue streams and expenditure patterns, Shahram Azizi maintains the financial integrity of the entire institution. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with executive leadership to allocate funds toward research initiatives and infrastructure development. Through rigorous financial reporting and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer protects the university's assets. Ultimately, Azizi drives long-term economic stability, allowing the university to continue providing high-quality education to a vast student population while navigating the financial nuances of a global academic network.

    Mohsen Pournamdari - President

    Mohsen Pournamdari, the President at Islamic Azad University, leads the academic mission and scholarly direction of the institution. Overseeing the curriculum development and faculty research standards, the President ensures that the university maintains its reputation for academic excellence across all colleges. This role involves fostering partnerships with international institutions and driving the university's research agenda in the Middle East and beyond. By promoting a culture of intellectual inquiry, Mohsen Pournamdari shapes the educational experience for thousands of students. The President coordinates with department heads to align academic programs with current industry requirements. Through active engagement with the academic community, the President advances the university's standing in global rankings. Ultimately, Pournamdari directs the scholarly growth of the institution, ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of higher education by prioritizing innovation, research output, and the continuous improvement of pedagogical methods.
    Mohsen Pournamdari

    Bahareh Fathalizadeh - President, Administration Hospitals

    Bahareh Fathalizadeh, the President, Administration Hospitals at Islamic Azad University, directs the clinical and administrative operations of the university's healthcare facilities. Overseeing the integration of medical education with patient care, the President, Administration Hospitals ensures that clinical training environments meet the highest standards of safety and efficiency. This role involves managing hospital staff, medical resources, and the operational logistics of healthcare units within the university system. By optimizing clinical workflows, Bahareh Fathalizadeh supports the practical training of medical students while providing essential health services to the community. The President, Administration Hospitals collaborates with academic leadership to ensure that hospital operations align with the university's broader educational goals. Through strategic management of medical infrastructure, the President, Administration Hospitals enhances the quality of clinical research and patient outcomes. Ultimately, Fathalizadeh drives the success of the university's healthcare division, bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world medical practice.
    Bahareh Fathalizadeh

    Mohammad Pahlavanian - President Association

    Mohammad Pahlavanian, the President Association at Islamic Azad University, manages the professional networks and alumni associations that connect the university to the broader professional world. Overseeing the engagement of graduates and industry partners, the President Association fosters relationships that enhance the university's influence and career placement opportunities for students. This role involves organizing professional development initiatives and maintaining a robust network of alumni across international borders. By facilitating collaboration between the university and industry leaders, Mohammad Pahlavanian creates pathways for research partnerships and student internships. The President Association coordinates with various departments to ensure that the university's professional outreach remains aligned with its academic mission. Through the cultivation of strong external relationships, the President Association strengthens the university's brand and community impact. Ultimately, Pahlavanian drives the expansion of the university's professional ecosystem, ensuring that graduates and faculty remain connected to global industry trends.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Islamic Azad University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Islamic Azad University?
    Islamic Azad University is led by Samaneh Jalili (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Hossein Hakimpour (Deputy Chief Executive Officer) and Shahram Azizi (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Islamic Azad University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Islamic Azad University includes leaders such as Samaneh Jalili (Chief Executive Officer), Hossein Hakimpour (Deputy Chief Executive Officer), Shahram Azizi (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Islamic Azad University have?
    Islamic Azad University has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Islamic Azad University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Islamic Azad University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, President, Administration Hospitals.