SAM NAZARIAN
BOARD MEMBER
With an uncompromising entrepreneurial instinct and personal style, sbe Founder and CEO Sam Nazarian has immeasurable 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.
He oversees all operating activities across sbe and each of its operating groups: Hotels, Restaurants, Nightlife and Real Estate.
In 2001, Sam 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. He 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, Sam 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, he 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.
His 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, Sam 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, Sam 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 Sam to the Board of Airport Commissioners of Los Angeles World Airports.
Sam studied at New York University and the University of Southern California and currently resides in Los Angeles.