About The Himelsein Group

Leonard Himelsein began his career in retail management with a leading national department store chain after completing his formal education in Johannesburg, South Africa. His ability to create innovative merchandising programs quickly propelled him into senior management roles, earning him the respect of the business community and fostering his entrepreneurial drive.

Between 1968 and 1980, Mr. Himelsein established several successful ventures, including Taj Mahal, a precious metals manufacturing company; Himelsein Diamonds, a producer and distributor of precious stones; and Czar Jewelers, a jewelry retail chain. Under his leadership as Managing Director, Taj Mahal grew into one of the foremost companies of its kind in Southern Africa, achieving rapid success that facilitated international expansion into the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Canada, and the United States.

In the early 1980s, Mr. Himelsein relocated to the United States with his family, settling in Santa Barbara, California. His professional interests expanded to include international high technology, the diamond and mineral trade, real estate investment, and venture capital.

Today, the Himelsein Group of Companies employs over 200 people. Mr. Himelsein serves as President and Chairman on several national and international boards and is an active member of multiple organizational committees. His commitment to community engagement is exemplified through his founding of the Leonard Himelsein Scholarship Foundation, benefiting the National Cancer Foundation, and the Razot Lev Eliyahu Institute under the Leonard Himelsein Foundation.

Additionally, Mr. Himelsein’s civic involvement includes his role in the Inner Circle of the Senatorial Committee of the U.S. Republican Party, an honor that afforded him the opportunity to meet President George H.W. Bush on several occasions at the White House.

A member of numerous professional and social organizations, Mr. Himelsein is affiliated with the University Club of Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara Yacht Club, the United States Power Squadron, the National Collateral Lending Association, and the Santa Barbara Jewelers and Watchmakers Guild. His enduring passion for diamonds is reflected in his membership in the Diamond Club of South Africa and the World Federation of Diamond Bourses.

This combination of entrepreneurial success, community involvement, and global expertise defines Mr. Himelsein as a distinguished leader and innovator in his field.