Arash Azarbarzin named CEO of Highgate
Real estate investment and hospitality management company Highgate has appointed industry pioneer Arash Azarbarzin, who was previously at the helm of SH Hotels & Resorts, as CEO.
Announced amid a transformational year, this key hire signifies the company’s heightened focus on building a world-class team and expanding its luxury and lifestyle expertise.
A time of growth
In his new role as Highgate’s CEO, Arash Azarbarzin will work in partnership with the company’s co-founders and principals to build on its highly entrepreneurial culture, cultivating and retaining talent while also expanding relationships with industry partners. Together, the team will also place greater focus on the company’s environmental, social and corporate governance strategy, drawing on Azarbarzin’s experience in sustainable modern luxury.
As part of his duties, the former CEO of SH Hotels & Resorts will lead the creation of specialised food and beverage and marketing teams.
“We are thrilled to welcome Arash as Highgate embarks on this next chapter of growth and market leadership,” said Mahmood Khimji, co-founder and co-chairman of Highgate’s board of directors. “Arash brings a perspective that is timely for the future of our portfolio and embodies the work ethic and creativity found at the core of Highgate’s DNA. With his proven track record of mentorship and building successful hospitality destinations, he is a brilliant addition to this organisation.”
Sustainable luxury lifestyle
Azarbarzin will draw on more than 30 years of hotel leadership experience with luxury brands, including Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, St Regis, SLS and W Hotels. He most recently served as CEO for SH Hotels & Resorts, spearheading the rise of the company behind the 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels and Treehouse Hotels brands.
Highgate’s new recruit holds a degree in hotel and restaurant management from United States International University and graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. In 2020, he joined the board of directors of the American Hotel & Lodging Association as well as the AMAALA development advisory board.
Azarbarzin said: “It is a great honour to join Highgate and build upon the legacy established by the Khimji family. I look forward to bringing a new point of view to the already advantageous hospitality powerhouse.”
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