# Ahmass Fakahany

> Ahmass Fakahany is the New York-based founder and CEO of Altamarea Group, the international hospitality company behind Marea, Ai Fiori and 53. A former Merrill Lynch co-president and chief operating officer, he applies financial discipline, staff development and attention to guests to restaurant operations. He also chairs Boston University’s Board of Trustees.

- **Role:** Founder & CEO at Altamarea Group
- **Organizations:** Altamarea Group, Atelier House Hospitality, Boston University, Merrill Lynch (former), Exxon Corporation (former)
- **From:** Cairo, Egypt
- **Nationality:** Egyptian-American
- **Education:** Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, summa cum laude, Boston University, Questrom School of Business, MBA, Columbia University, Graduate School of Business
- **Known for:** Founded and leads a restaurant group reporting more than 25 restaurants worldwide., Marea received the James Beard Foundation’s Best New Restaurant award in 2010., Became Boston University Board of Trustees chair in 2022.

## Career timeline

- **1979** — Graduated from Boston University’s business school.
- **1987** — Joined Merrill Lynch; subsequent roles included Asia CFO, group CFO, vice chairman, co-president and COO.
- **2007** — Began restaurant ventures with Michael White in New Jersey.
- **2008** — Left his Merrill Lynch co-president and COO role effective February 1.
- **2009** — Opened Marea in New York; Altamarea’s current corporate history dates the group to this launch.
- **2010** — Marea won the James Beard Foundation’s Best New Restaurant award.
- **2016** — Joined Boston University’s Board of Trustees.
- **2017** — Atelier House Hospitality was established under his supervision.
- **2019** — Marea Dubai opened.
- **2022** — Became chair of Boston University’s Board of Trustees in September; Altamarea opened 53 in New York.
- **2025** — Marea opened in Beverly Hills in January.

## Achievements

- Founded and leads a restaurant group reporting more than 25 restaurants worldwide.
- Marea received the James Beard Foundation’s Best New Restaurant award in 2010.
- Became Boston University Board of Trustees chair in 2022.
- Ranked No. 21 in Observer’s 2025 Nightlife & Dining Power Index.

## Latest updates

- **2026-03** — Discussed Altamarea’s guest-centered operating approach, technology and partnerships in a Fine Dining Lovers interview.
- **2025-12** — Included at No. 21 in Observer’s 2025 Nightlife & Dining Power Index.
- **2025-01** — Marea opened in Beverly Hills; the restaurant offered complimentary takeaway meals to first responders during the Los Angeles fires.

## Links

- Website: https://altamareagroup.com/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/ahmass-fakahany
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-15