Running News Daily

Haile Gebrselassie’s Journey from Track Legend to Business Mogul

Haile Gebrselassie, renowned for his extraordinary achievements in long-distance running, has seamlessly transitioned into a successful entrepreneur, establishing a diverse business empire that significantly contributes to Ethiopia’s economy.

Athletic Achievements

Gebrselassie’s athletic career is adorned with numerous accolades:

• Olympic Gold Medals: He secured gold in the 10,000 meters at both the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Olympics.

• World Championships: Gebrselassie clinched four World Championship titles in the 10,000 meters in 1993, 1995, 1997, and 1999.

• World Records: Throughout his career, he set 27 world records across distances ranging from 1,500 meters to the marathon. Notably, he set a marathon world record of 2:03:59 at the 2008 Berlin Marathon.

Haile Hotels and Resorts: A Fusion of Hospitality and Athletics

In 2010, Gebrselassie founded Haile Hotels and Resorts, launching the flagship resort in Hawassa. The chain has since expanded to several Ethiopian cities, including Shashemene, Ziway, Arba Minch, Gondar, Adama, and Addis Ababa. These establishments are distinguished by their integration of athletic facilities, reflecting Gebrselassie’s dedication to promoting sports and wellness. Amenities such as state-of-the-art gyms, running tracks, and sports complexes cater to both professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts, embodying a harmonious blend of luxury and athleticism.

Diverse Business Ventures

Beyond hospitality, Gebrselassie has diversified his investments:

• Automotive Industry: He owns Marathon Motors, the exclusive distributor of Hyundai vehicles in Ethiopia. The company has also ventured into assembling electric cars locally, marking a significant step in the nation’s automotive sector.

• Coffee Farming: Gebrselassie owns a coffee farm in the Masha region of Ethiopia. The 1,500-hectare farm, known as Yeppo Village, includes 200 hectares dedicated to conservation forest land. The farm produces organic and Rainforest Alliance–certified coffee, reflecting Gebrselassie’s commitment to sustainable agriculture.

• Real Estate and Education: His investments include real estate projects and the establishment of educational institutions, such as the Ayelech Degefu Memorial School, named in honor of his late mother.

Leadership and Family Involvement

Gebrselassie serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Haile and Alem International PLC, the parent company overseeing his diverse business ventures. His wife, Alem Gebrselassie, plays an active role in their joint business endeavors, contributing to the strategic direction and management of their enterprises. The couple’s collaboration extends beyond business, reflecting a partnership deeply rooted in mutual support and shared vision. 

Continued Involvement in Athletics

Although Gebrselassie retired from competitive running in 2015, he remains actively involved in the athletic community. He serves as a mentor to emerging athletes and participates in various initiatives aimed at promoting sports in Ethiopia. His enduring commitment to athletics is evident in his business ventures, particularly his hotels, which serve as hubs for athletic training and events.

Haile Gebrselassie’s journey from an illustrious athletic career to a successful businessman exemplifies the potential of leveraging sports fame into impactful entrepreneurship. His ventures not only contribute to economic growth but also foster a culture of health and fitness, reflecting his enduring legacy both on and off the track.