Shafi Syed

Shafi Syed is the Global Head Hotel Development & Acquisitions at Equinox Hotels, leading the Group’s expansion based out of New York.

Equinox Hotels is the only lifestyle/luxury hotel brand in the ‘fitness, wellness and high-performance living’ hotel segment. A natural extension of the cult fitness chain Equinox, the hotel brand differentiates itself through high-energy social spaces, celebrity restauranteur driven F&B/Nightlife, and the highly aspirational Equinox health club among other signature elements. With planned openings in L.A, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Austin and Hawaii and active discussions in London, Paris, Cabo, Tokyo, Dubai and more…, our vision is to present Equinox Hotels to key gateway cities and resorts globally.

Shafi brings over 30 years of experience in global investment, strategic development and brand expansion for luxury lifestyle hotels and branded real estate. Prior to joining Equinox, he held CDO positions at Jumeirah and Caesars Entertainment and various executive development roles at Wyndham and Taj Hotels. Shafi is a graduate of the Institute of Hotel Management, Bangalore and holds an Advanced Certification in Real Estate & Hotel Investments from Cornell University, New York. He has lived and worked in the US, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.