Tehran, Iran – The official introduction ceremony for the new Chief Executive Officer of the Book City Institute was held on the evening of Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Members of the board of directors, store managers, and staff gathered at the Central Book City branch to mark this significant transition.
The event commenced with a heartfelt address from Mehdi Firouzan, the former CEO of Book City. Reflecting on his 23-year tenure, he spoke of the vital importance of change and renewal. He described Book City as an institution founded on a love for culture, a commitment to rising above the political fray, and defined by its internal tranquility, innovation, and courage in the face of competition. Firouzan emphasized that the greatest threat to Book City would be to halt its evolution and succumb to structural aging, stressing that the time for a leadership transition had arrived.
He went on to detail the meticulous process of selecting the new CEO, noting his long-standing acquaintance with Ali Jafarabadi and his instrumental role in the institute’s recent structural transformations. Firouzan affirmed that the decision was the result of extensive deliberation and a deep-seated confidence in Jafarabadi’s capabilities and personal commitment.
The second part of the ceremony was a collaborative forum with Book City’s store managers from across the country. In this session, attendees shared their perspectives and concerns regarding current market trends, the role of the central institute in supporting its branches, economic and administrative challenges, and the pressing need for enhanced training, cohesive visual branding, and greater synergy across the network.
Following the forum, Ali Jafarabadi, the newly appointed CEO, took the stage. He began his speech by posing a pivotal question: “What will become of Book City after Firouzan?” Acknowledging the concerns voiced by managers over the years—such as declining market share, training deficiencies, and a fragmented visual identity—he outlined the concrete steps already taken to address them. These include the establishment of a Co-creation department, financial innovations, the appointment of a legal advisor, the formation of the “Book City Jury” advisory council, and new frameworks for participatory decision-making, alongside a renewed focus on the education and children’s sections. He also spoke of the institute’s collaborations with international bodies and proposals to launch stores outside of Iran.
Jafarabadi defined the relationship between Book City and Firouzan as one that transcends any mere title or executive role. “There is no Book City *after* Firouzan,” he stated. “Book City is *with* Firouzan, and Firouzan is *with* Book City.” He compared this profound connection to the inseparable bond between the city of Isfahan and its lifeblood, the Zayandeh River—a bond of identity.
From a philosophical perspective, Jafarabadi emphasized that this leadership change was not a sudden break but a gradual evolution, a result of a collective, internal journey. He described it as a process of “continuous becoming,” advanced by the entire team and destined to continue in the same spirit.
He also paid tribute to the late Batoul Firouzan, noting that her counsel and deep concern for the future of Book City played a significant role in his decision to accept the responsibility. Jafarabadi concluded his remarks with a powerful call for empathy and collective effort, offering a prayer for success and continued collaboration.
In a symbolic gesture to close the ceremony, attendees signed a commemorative portrait of the former CEO, which was presented to him as a cherished memento.
This event, marked by the active and enthusiastic participation of store managers from all corners of the country, heralds a new era in Book City’s leadership—an era firmly focused on continuing innovation, structural integrity, and powerful network-wide partnership.
See the complete photo gallery of the ceremony here.
Tags: BookCity, Firouzan, Jafarabadi
