Shafi Syed currently holds the position of Global Head Hotel Development & Acquisitions at Equinox Hotels, a luxury-lifestyle hotel brand owned by The Related Companies. With extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Shafi has previously served as Senior Vice President of International Development at Caesars Entertainment Corporation and Global Chief Development & Real Estate Officer at Jumeirah Group. A proven leader in hotel development and acquisitions, Shafi has also held regional roles at THC Hotel Collection, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, and Cendant, as well as operational roles at Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces. Shafi has an educational background in Hotel Management from Cornell University and the Institute of Hotel Management.