IL HR0901

Nemer Ziyad, co-founder and CEO of Ziyad Brothers Importing, passed away on September 13, 2024, on his 61st birthday.

Founded in 1966 as a small retail food business on Chicago's southwest side, Ziyad Brothers Importing grew into one of the nation's largest distributors of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food products, operating a 150,000 sq. ft. facility in Cicero and distributing over 1,000 products to 4,000 ethnic grocery stores and 18,000 mainstream retailers across 48 states and 6 countries.

Nemer Ziyad employed over 80 people and negotiated the company's 2022 purchase by Peak Rock Capital while working alongside his brothers Nassem and Nazmy and cousin Nezar to drive national expansion.

Served as a founding board member of United Trust Bank in Bridgeview, board member of Chicago International Sister Cities (Amman-Chicago), member of Les Aims Escoffier Society, and supporter of the Palestine Children's Relief Fund; received Man of the Year award from the Arab American Democratic Club.

The Illinois House of Representatives mourns Nemer Ziyad's passing and extends condolences to his family and friends.