Sam Nazarian

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.





== 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.





== 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.