Agon Gashi is the Chief Executive Officer of SPAR Kosova and Meridian Express, two of Kosovo’s foremost retail chains, where he has pioneered a model of growth that integrates operational excellence with a strong commitment to community development. Since founding Meridian Express in 2012, Gashi has expanded the brand to become Kosovo’s leading convenience store chain, known for delivering accessible, high-quality products to neighborhoods across the country. Under his leadership, SPAR Kosova and Meridian Express have set benchmarks for innovation and customer-centric strategies, establishing themselves as pillars of the retail landscape in the region.
Raised in Kosovo during a time of conflict, he developed a profound sense of responsibility toward rebuilding and fostering resilience within his home country. After earning a degree in Economics from Bard College in New York, Gashi returned to Kosovo to help grow his family’s wholesale business. He recognized an unmet need in the retail space and launched Meridian Express, a chain designed to address the evolving needs of local consumers with a commitment to accessibility and quality. Today, as CEO of both SPAR Kosova and Meridian Express, Gashi continues to focus on long-term growth strategies that balance shareholder value with meaningful community impact.
Beyond his role as CEO, Gashi has become an influential figure in Kosovo’s corporate ecosystem. He has held leadership positions as Vice-Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo and is a co-founder of both the Kosovo CSR Network and the Kosovo Retail Association. Through these platforms, he has advocated for responsible corporate practices, driving initiatives that support women’s economic empowerment, startup mentorship, and environmental sustainability. In recognition of his commitment to these principles, Meridian Corporation was awarded New Champion status by the World Economic Forum in 2018.
Gashi’s leadership centers on fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and social responsibility within his companies and across the industry. His initiatives are focused on making a lasting impact, from advancing women’s empowerment in partnership with UN Women to promoting a green economy through business-government collaboration on environmental standards.
Residing in Pristina with his wife and two children, Gashi is dedicated to building a thriving and inclusive economy for Kosovo’s future.