Haile Gebrselassie is not only celebrated as one of the most accomplished long-distance runners in history but also as a successful entrepreneur who has made significant strides in the business world.
After retiring from athletics, Gebrselassie channeled his competitive spirit and dedication into various ventures that reflect his commitment to his homeland, Ethiopia.
In this article, WoA delves into the diverse portfolio of Haile Gebrselassie’s enterprises, examining how he has transformed his athletic success into a thriving business empire.
Hotels and resorts
Gebrselassie ventured into the hospitality industry with a vision to promote tourism and provide high-quality accommodations in Ethiopia.
The Haile Resorts chain includes several locations across Ethiopia, each with its unique features.
Haile Resorts Hawassa is situated near Lake Hawassa, a popular tourist destination known for its scenic views and outdoor activities.
In Wolaita Sodo, guests can enjoy comfortable accommodations that highlight the local culture.
Haile Resorts Shashemene is located in a city famous for its Rastafarian community, offering cultural experiences and beautiful landscapes.
Meanwhile, Haile Resorts Ziway provides lakeside views and opportunities for birdwatching near Lake Ziway.
In Arba Minch, guests have access to stunning landscapes of the Great Rift Valley and nearby national parks.
Gondar, known for its historical significance and castles, hosts another Haile Resort that allows visitors to explore rich cultural heritage.
The resort in Adama caters primarily to business travelers with modern facilities in a rapidly growing city.
The Haile Grand Hotel Addis Ababa, located in the capital city, offers luxury accommodations along with conference facilities for both leisure and business guests.
Lastly, Haile Resorts Debre Birhan is situated in a historically significant city known for its beautiful highland scenery.
Schools
Gebrselassie established several schools in Ethiopia, including ADM Assela School, ADM Bahir Dar School, and Ayelech Degefu Memorial School.
The latter is named in honor of his mother, Ayelech Degefu, who passed away from cancer when he was six years old135
Halle Coffee and Honey
Gebrselassie owns a 1,500-hectare coffee plantation in Masha, Ethiopia.
This farm, established in 2014, includes 200 hectares of conservation land and employs around 600 local farmers.
It focuses on producing specialty Arabica coffee while promoting sustainable practices and community development, including funding local schools.
Additionally, the farm also engages in honey production and spices, with a commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.
Marathon Motor Engineering
Gebrselassie co-founded Marathon Motor Engineering, a joint venture with Hyundai Motor Company, in 2009.
This venture focuses on assembling electric vehicles in Ethiopia, including the Hyundai Ioniq, which began production in July 2020.
The assembly plant, located in Addis Ababa, has a capacity of 10,000 cars annually and aims to support Ethiopia’s climate initiatives by producing zero-emission vehicles.
Gebrselassie’s involvement reflects his broader business interests, which include hotels and various enterprises across Ethiopia.
Alem Cinema and Alem Fitness Centre
Gebrselassie’s Alem Cinema is Ethiopia’s first privately owned cinema, established in 2004.
Initially, the cinema struggled due to a lack of local films, prompting Gebrselassie to support scriptwriting and local filmmaking.
Over time, it became popular, showcasing Ethiopian films and contributing to the local film industry’s growth126.
Adjacent to the cinema is the Alem Fitness Center, where Gebrselassie trains.
Real estate
Gebrselassie is also involved in real estate projects, including building houses, a school, a cinema, and a health facility.
“I have a real estate company, we build a lot of houses, even a school, and the latest project has been a cinema and a health facility, you know with a steam sauna and weight training,” he said in a past interview.
