The Ultimate Latifi Family Guide: Ages, Biographies, Career Milestones, and Faqs
By Maya Lin-Takahashi
The financial foundation of the family began decades before Nicholas turned a racing wheel. Michael Latifi, born in Iran in 1962, arrived in Canada as a teenager following the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Starting with entry-level positions in food operations, he built what would become Sofina Foods Inc. from the ground up, establishing the corporate entity in 1995, the exact year Nicholas was born.
Under Michael's direction as CEO and Executive Chairman, Sofina Foods acquired legacy protein brands across Canada, including Lilydale, Janes Family Foods, Cuddy Food Products, and Fletcher's Fine Foods. In 2021, Sofina executed a transatlantic acquisition of Europe's Eight Fifty Food Group, absorbing Young's Seafood and Karro Food Group. The transaction doubled Sofina's workforce to more than 13,000 employees across 44 manufacturing facilities, pushing corporate revenues well past $4 billion annually. Inside paddock hospitality suites, Michael became known as an astute negotiator who balanced paternal support with demanding commercial return metrics.
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
