iHerb Founder and CEO: Leadership and Company Origins

Many people researching iHerb want to know more about its founder and leadership. Common searches include:

• Founder of iHerb
• Who founded iHerb
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Understanding the company’s founder helps explain how iHerb developed from a small online store into a global health and wellness retailer.

Ownership overview:
/who-owns-iherb/

Who Founded iHerb?

iHerb was founded in 1996 by entrepreneur Ray Faraee.

The company began as an online store selling herbal supplements, which were becoming increasingly popular among consumers interested in natural health products.

Over time, the business expanded significantly.

Early Development of the Company

During the early years, iHerb focused on selling supplements directly to consumers through the internet.

At the time, online retail was still developing, and many supplement companies relied primarily on physical stores.

The company’s early focus on e-commerce allowed it to grow alongside the rapid expansion of online shopping.

Company history:
/what-is-iherb/history/

Expansion of the Business

As the company grew, iHerb expanded its operations to include:

• large distribution centers
• international shipping infrastructure
• a wide product catalog

Today, the company sells thousands of products across categories including:

• vitamins
• supplements
• personal care
• natural health products

Business model overview:
/what-is-iherb/business-model/

Leadership Structure

As companies grow, leadership roles often expand beyond the founder.

Corporate leadership may include:

• CEO
• executive leadership teams
• operational managers

These roles oversee areas such as logistics, product sourcing, and international operations.

Influence of the Founder

Founders often shape a company’s early strategy and long-term vision.

In the case of iHerb, the founder’s focus on online retail and international accessibility helped the company expand globally.

More about the founder:
/who-owns-iherb/ray-faraee/

Founder and Ownership

In many privately held companies, founders remain involved in ownership or leadership roles even as the company grows.

Ownership structure overview:
/who-owns-iherb/shareholders/

Summary

iHerb was founded in 1996 by Ray Faraee. The company began as an online supplement retailer and grew into a global e-commerce platform serving customers in many countries.