The founder, Michael Saba

Michael Saba commenced his career with Swisse Wellness, on a part time basis, from his school days until the completion of his Masters with honours at Melbourne University. His Swisse responsibility was cleaning the tablet and capsule machines and polishing floors - which he did passionately and proudly.

After many years, Michael earned the respect to lead in every division of the organisation, to become Swisse CEO in 1991. At that stage, the company was generating $400K PA from 300 SKUs - and incurring losses.

Hard and smart work paid off, Michael and Stephen Ring, the son of Swisse founder Kevin Ring - and later in the journey, Radek Sali - built a formidable team to result in Swisse Wellness being sold for $1.7 billion in 2015. The sale was said to be the biggest price tag for the acquisition of a privately owned Australian company. At that stage, Swisse's revenue was circa $1 billion with a 15% EBIT, from 80 SKUs.

The son of an organic farming family, Michael is proud to come from what he claims as the "richest family without money". He credits his life experience and loving parents, Tony and Raja, inculcating timeless divine wisdom, as pivotal to his success. They reinforced the highest level of respect for people and planet. His wife Jasmin, 4 children are his other pillars and passion.

Michael developed unique business and marketing IPs including the 4P's and M5, as well as the CLED! culture. CELEBRATE LIFE EVERY DAY mindset continues to be the cultural DNA and a critical success factor behind Swisse's global expansion, now also adopted by other companies.

Michael is a big believer in having the most respectful and happiest work culture; organisational neutrality to political, religious and social agendas, and treating everybody with the highest level of respect. The pre-requisite for any senior role in the organisation is driven by EQ and IQ - humble and genuine qualities and a strong belief and understanding of the critical balance between head, hands and heart.

Although money is important for commercial viability, Michael believes social profits are equally important, and always looks for the long-term allocentric benefits. He credits everything to team effort. Selfless, united business partners and team members are the catalysts to the joy and success each entity experiences.

Michael is now chairman/CEO of the Happy Saba Group (HSG), the official company of strategic oversight and governance for some of Australia's leading brands including GOURMET SABA, PANA ORGANIC, HIVITA, SABA ORGANIC and DRINK SABA ORGANIC.

Make A Difference (MAD), Starts with self-awareness and mindfulness. A simple smile and acts of kindness will make a positive difference. There's enough selfishness and negativity in the world. The positive spirit we bring to work to love, live and give in all that we do, is the legacy we want to leave.

We're committed to guiding you every step of the way because People, Planet & Philanthropy (3P) matter most.

The HOPE & TONY SABA FAMILY FOUNDATION has donated circa $4 million to charities over the past 5 years on behalf of all the entities in the group. If you have a special charity close to your heart, please send us an email info@hivita.com.au, we'd love to hear about it and how we can support.