LOS ANGELES--November 27, 2012--sbe , an industry-leading creative hospitality company that develops, manages and operates award-winning hotels, restaurants and nightlife, has named Sam Bakhshandehpour company President.

In his new role, Bakhshandehpour will work alongside Sam Nazarian in leading the domestic and international expansion of the company’s award-winning hotel, restaurant and nightlife brands. Additionally, Bakhshandehpour will oversee all gaming and corporate initiatives, collaborating closely with sbe division presidents to innovate operational efficiencies and drive strategic growth.

“Bringing Sam on board at this point in sbe’s evolution is a huge win for the company and provides us with a significant advantage as we emerge into a global hospitality brand,” said Nazarian. “Through his leadership and deep industry expertise, we’re poised for continued growth across our entire platform.”

“sbe and Sam are undeniable forces in the industry, having innovated hospitality in a way that’s resonated powerfully not only in the United States but internationally as well,” added Bakhshandehpour. “Having an opportunity to join such a dynamic and creative company is a privilege, and I’m looking forward to what we can accomplish as a team.”

Bakhshandehpour joins sbe with an extensive track record as a 16-year veteran of Wall Street. He’s spent the last 12 years with J.P. Morgan Securities' Real Estate, Lodging & Gaming Investment Banking practice on the West Coast. While at J.P. Morgan, Sam focused on mergers and acquisitions and capital raising for the Lodging & Gaming companies, as well as REITs, homebuilders and real estate private equity funds. Prior to J.P. Morgan, Sam was in the Real Estate, Lodging & Gaming Investment Banking Group at Deutsche Bank based out of New York.
Most recently, Sam played an instrumental role in working with Nazarian to secure the $300 million capital raise for SLS Las Vegas.

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ABOUT sbe:
sbe is a creative hospitality company that develops, manages and operates award-winning hotels, restaurants and nightlife. Through exclusive partnerships with cultural visionaries, sbe is dedicated to delivering the best in design, culinary and entertainment. Already a proven leader in the hospitality and real estate industries, sbe has over 70 properties currently operating or in development, and has expanded several of its flagship brands including SLS Hotels, Katsuya by Starck, The Bazaar by José Andrés and Hyde Lounge nationally and internationally. Founded in 2002 by Chairman and CEO Sam Nazarian, sbe is a privately held company. More information about sbe can be obtained at sbe.com, or by downloading the sbe App.