Sam Nazarian

With an uncompromising entrepreneurial instinct and personal style, Founder and CEO Sam Nazarian has immeasurably redefined contemporary hospitality in Los Angeles and beyond. Under his leadership, sbe has become the creative wellspring for the world's most sought-after luxury lifestyle brands in North America. Nazarian oversees all operating activities across sbe and each of its operating groups: Hotels, Restaurants, Nightlife and Real Estate.

In 2001, Nazarian began his development career by establishing 3Wall Development and successfully diversifying his family's assets into real estate holdings across virtually all sectors of the market. Nazarian also co-founded Platinum Wireless, a telecommunications business specializing in the distribution of Nextel software.

From the launch of sbe's first nightclub in 2003, Nazarian has evolved the privately-held sbe into the definitive name in luxury with a collection that includes some of the most exclusive and high-profile hotels, restaurants and nightlife in the world. To create sbe's award-winning portfolio, Nazarian has aligned with renowned design and culinary talents such as trendsetters Philippe Starck and Matthew Rolston and chefs José Andrés, Michael Mina and Katsuya Uechi.

Nazarian's business savvy and foresight have also attracted the interest of Wall Street, as well as active participation from a "who's who" of financial institutions, including Merrill Lynch, Credit Suisse, Lowe Enterprises and Stockbridge Real Estate Funds. Expanding his reach into the entertainment industry, Nazarian launched sbe's Element Films, which has financed a range of independents in association with Lionsgate.

Honored as the youngest executive to be named one of the "Top 100 Most Powerful People in Southern California" by West, the Los Angeles Times' magazine, Nazarian was also named among "The Influentials" in Los Angeles Magazine. He is an active member of the Southern California Institute of Architecture's Board of Directors and a generous supporter of the Beverly Hills Education Foundation. In July 2009, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa appointed Nazarian to the Board of Airport Commissioners of Los Angeles World Airports.

Sam Nazarian studied at New York University and the University of Southern California and currently resides in Los Angeles.