Sam Nazarian

In 2002, Sam Nazarian founded sbe to revolutionize the lifestyle hospitality space. With an uncompromising entrepreneurial instinct and personal style, Sam Nazarian has been a transformative force in changing what people expect from contemporary luxury hospitality. He has contributed to defining the future of global lifestyle hospitality, launching award-winning hotels, residences, restaurants and nightclubs. They represent some of the most sought-after lifestyle brands including: SLS Hotels and Residences, The Redbury Hotel, Katsuya, and Hyde Lounge, Hotels and Residences, to mention a few. Built on around Sam's concept of the full circle guest experience incorporating world-class design and exceptional cuisine, sbe evolved into the definitive name in luxury and now has an expanding global portfolio which will see 28 hotels and over 175 global world-renowned culinary, nightlife and entertainment venues across North and South America, Europe, Japan and the Middle East. sbe's success has led to partnerships with internationally acclaimed talents such as Philippe Starck and Yabu Pushelberg and chef Katsuya Uechi. As the founder and chief visionary, Sam leads sbe and each division in innovative and revolutionary redevelopment of real estate, asset management, partnership, entrepreneurial experience, service, standards, guest management, employee development, and superior hospitality operations, which is the embodiment of sbe. Creating a platform of unique, performance-driven models, he has adeptly positioned sbe hospitality and its diversified business as the leader in the industry. Nazarian also led the acquisition of Morgans Hotel Group, the pioneer of boutique lifestyle hotels, in December 2016, and was the driving force behind sbe and AccorHotels' strategic partnership announced in June 2018 which saw Accor agree to acquire a 50% joint venture stake in sbe. Sam's career began when he co-founded a wireless company, which he later sold after leading its rapid growth and record sales. He studied at New York University and the University of Southern California. Over the course of his career, Sam has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including 2014 Fortune's 40 under 40 list, 2014 Make-A-Wish Foundation Man of the Year and Los Angeles Magazine's 2006 Influentials List.