Former Starwood Chief of Latin American Joins Leading Global Lifestyle Hospitality Company to Spearhead Daily Operations
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 18, 2017 — sbe, the Los Angeles-based leading lifestyle hospitality company that develops, manages and operates award-winning hospitality venues globally, today announced that Jorge Giannattasio has joined as Chief Operating Officer. In his role, he will work closely with sbe Founder and CEO Sam Nazarian to oversee the daily operations across the sbe platform.
"We are thrilled to welcome Jorge to sbe," stated Nazarian. "In December, we announced the acquisition of Morgans Hotel Group and greatly expanded our portfolio. Jorge will manage our day-to-day operations as we continue to develop into the only preeminent lifestyle hospitality company that offers a 360-degree experience. His vast expertise in the industry and global experience will be a valuable asset as we grow."
"sbe is one of the most relevant lifestyle hospitality brands and I am thrilled to be joining the company," stated Giannattasio. "I look forward to working closely with Sam and the hotel venue owners as well as continue the path of growth, which the business has been on with its monumental developments in recent years."
Giannattasio is an experienced executive with a 25-year international career. Prior to his current position, he held a variety of leadership roles at Starwood Hotels and Resorts since 2004. Most recently, he served as SVP/Chief of Latin America and Caribbean Operations of Starwood Hotels, overseeing the operation, development quality and financial performance of approximately 100 hotels in over 19 countries. As Chief of Starwood Latin America and Caribbean Operations, he doubled the pace of Starwood's development in Latin America, posted record levels of customer satisfaction scores and obtained unprecedented market share gains. Giannattasio was also responsible for the signing and opening of the first U.S. Hotel in Cuba since 1959, with the opening of the Four Points by Sheraton La Habana and the subsequent signing of another luxury hotel in Havana. He also previously served as CFO for Starwood North America Division and CFO of the Latin American Division.
Previously, Giannattasio worked at Deloitte for 10 years in audit and assurance in Buenos Aires, Argentina and the U.S. practice. Upon leaving the public accounting arena, he joined Boston Scientific Corporation where he held a variety of finance and accounting positions in their international divisions.
Giannattasio holds a CPA from the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina and a degree in Business Management from the IAE School of Management.
