LAS VEGAS—Hospitality executive Sean Christie and real estate, media and marketing executive Nelson Famadas have partnered to form Carver Road Hospitality. The venture will invest in, develop and operate lifestyle hotels, restaurants, lounges and other hospitality concepts.
The company’s mission is to create experiences driven by exceptional customer service layered into highly curated environments. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in Miami, Carver Road Hospitality is currently completing late-stage deals in several domestic and international markets.
Christie brings more than two decades of industry experience and entrepreneurship to his role as CEO of Carver Road Hospitality. Most recently, he was president of events and nightlife for MGM Resorts International, and prior to that served as EVP of business development for Wynn Resorts. Previously, he was COO/VP of operations for Wynn Las Vegas, where he pioneered the use of technology to enhance guest experiences, making Wynn the first hotel to offer Amazon Alexa, and led the hotel’s initiative to source and acquire top film, television and publishing opportunities.
“We’ve assembled a formidable team of hospitality industry professionals with decades of experience and a track record for success,” said Christie. “We are all passionate about the pursuit of excellence, and look forward to building a best-in-class hospitality company.”
As COO, Famadas brings experience in real estate development, media and marketing. His background includes deal sourcing, due diligence, financing and asset management in hospitality, office and residential projects, with more than $600 million in projects managed or developed. Until recently, he owned an experiential marketing agency in Miami as well as asset managed $150 million in real assets for a family office. He previously launched and operated two independent satellite radio channels on SiriusXM.
“Our aim is to partner with world-class brands and properties to deliver discerning guests a unique hospitality experience,” said Famadas. “Despite recent headwinds, our like-minded executive team recognizes that the industry is resilient and the future looks promising as the customer spend returns in 2021.”
Carver Road Hospitality’s initial senior management team, led by Christie, includes mixology expert Francesco Lafranconi, VP of beverage and hospitality culture, founder of the Academy of Spirits and Fine Service, co-founder/creator of Mr. Coco at Palms Resort Casino and formerly executive director of mixology and spirits education at Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits; Bryan Bass, VP of hospitality marketing, previously VP of marketing for events and nightlife, MGM Resorts International, whose career includes marketing launches of projects at Wynn Resorts, the Hakkasan Group and the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas and the $3 billion Okada Manila project in the Philippines; and Lisa Long Adler, VP of communications, marketing and public relations, whose independent agency LLAC has produced events and public relations campaigns for clients including MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts and Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer. Rounding out the team are hospitality industry veterans Chelsea Rogers and Ryan Levine, with additional hires to be revealed.