Sam Nazarian

Sam Nazarian
سام نظریان
Born	1975 (age 49–50) Tehran, Imperial State of Iran
Alma mater	University of Southern California
Occupation(s)	CEO of Umami Burger Founder & CEO of SBE Entertainment Group
Spouse	Emina Cunmulaj
Parent	Younes Nazarian
Relatives	Izak Parviz Nazarian (uncle) David Nazarian (brother) Angella Nazarian (sister-in-law) Shulamit Nazarian (sister)
Website	SBE.com

Sam Nazarian (Persian: سام نظریان; born 1975) is an American businessman, investor, and philanthropist. He is the founder, chairman, and CEO of SBE Entertainment Group, a lifestyle hospitality company that develops, manages, and operates hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs globally. In 2023, Nazarian expanded his ventures by launching HQ Hotels & Residences, a hospitality brand in alliance with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts."Sam Nazarian's SBE Forms Strategic Alliance with Wyndham". Wyndham Hotels. Retrieved January 31, 2025.

Early Life and Education

Nazarian was born into a Persian Jewish family in Tehran, Iran, in 1975. Following the Iranian Revolution, his family immigrated to the United States, settling in Beverly Hills, California. He is the son of Younes Nazarian, an early investor in Qualcomm. Nazarian attended Beverly Hills High School, graduating in 1993, and later studied at the University of Southern California. In recognition of his support, the Beverly Hills High School basketball court was renamed Sam Nazarian Court after he donated $200,000 to the Beverly Hills Athletic Alumni Association.Ceasar, Stephen (February 3, 2015). "Along with his name on Beverly Hills campuses, donor buys controversy". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 31, 2025.

Business Career

In 1998, Nazarian founded Platinum Wireless, a telecommunications company specializing in the distribution of Nextel products. After selling the company in 2001, he ventured into real estate with his father, establishing 3Wall Development in 1999. In 2002, he founded SBE Entertainment Group, focusing on hospitality ventures."SBE Entertainment Group". Retrieved January 31, 2025.

Under Nazarian's leadership, SBE expanded to include brands such as SLS Hotels, Hyde Lounge, and Katsuya. In 2020, he sold the remaining 50% stake of SBE's hotel platform to Accor Hotels but retained its food and beverage operations."Accor takes full ownership of SBE hotel brands". Accor. Retrieved January 31, 2025.

In 2023, Nazarian re-entered the hotel industry by launching HQ Hotels & Residences through an alliance with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. This initiative focuses on hospitality experiences through dining, nightlife, and wellness."HQ Hotels: Sam Nazarian's New Venture". Hotels Magazine. Retrieved January 31, 2025.

The first HQ Hotels & Residences locations are planned in Montreux, Switzerland, and Detroit, Michigan. The Montreux property, The HQ Montreux Hotel & Spa, will feature 155 rooms and 42 residences. The Detroit property, HQ Detroit Hotel & Spa, will offer 174 guestrooms."HQ Hotels Expanding Globally". Hotels Magazine. Retrieved January 31, 2025.

Film Production

Nazarian has been involved in film production as an executive producer. His credits include Waiting..., Down in the Valley, Five Fingers, The Last Time, Mr. Brooks, and College."Sam Nazarian - Rotten Tomatoes". Retrieved January 31, 2025.

Board Memberships and Recognitions

From 2008 to 2011, Nazarian served on the board of trustees of the Southern California Institute of Architecture. In July 2009, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa appointed him to the Board of Airport Commissioners of Los Angeles World Airports. In 2014, Nazarian was named to Fortune's 40 Under 40 list."Fortune 40 Under 40". Fortune. Retrieved January 31, 2025.

Personal Life

Nazarian is married to Albanian-American model Emina Cunmulaj. The couple has been involved in philanthropic efforts."Sam Nazarian and Philanthropy". Hotels Magazine. Retrieved January 31, 2025.

References

Sam Nazarian at IMDb