Sam Bakhshandehpour is the Chief Executive Officer and a Board Member of José Andrés Group (JAG), a global restaurant company driven by the mission of changing the world through the power of food. JAG’s portfolio spans 50+ world-class restaurants across nine international markets, including the two-Michelin-starred minibar and multiple Michelin Bib Gourmand concepts. The platform also includes José Andrés Media, which produces culturally driven food content across film, television, books, podcasts, and digital platforms—including the Emmy Award–winning José Andrés and Family in Spain and the New York Times bestselling Zaytinya cookbook.

Through The Silverstone Companies, his hospitality investment platform, Mr. Bakhshandehpour has invested in ventures including The Electric Jane (private membership club and live music lounge), Cultivate Hospitality (F&B programming), José Andrés Group, and select hotel, restaurant, and lifestyle properties.

Recognized as one of the “Most Important People in Nightlife & Dining” on the Observer’s 2023 and 2024 Dining and Nightlife Power List, he previously served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Board Member of sbe Entertainment, a private-equity-backed global hospitality company with more than 80 properties worldwide.

Mr. Bakhshandehpour began his career at J.P. Morgan Securities, where he led the Global Gaming and West Coast Real Estate & Lodging Investment Banking practice, advising on mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising.

He currently serves as an independent director at Shift4 (NYSE: FOUR), where he chairs the Compensation Committee and sits on the Audit Committee, and serves on the Advisory Boards of Fiserv Inc. (NYSE: FI) and Bilt Technologies, Inc.

He is a co-founder and board member of the Palisades Altadena Community Funds, a founding member of the Georgetown Wall Street Alliance West, and an active member of YPO Bel Air.

His prior board service includes The New Home Company (NYSE: NWHM), the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business Board of Trustees, the Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association (BLLA), the Federal City Council (FC2), and serving as Chapter Chair of YPO Bel Air.

Mr. Bakhshandehpour holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.