Our Team
Blending decades of hospitality expertise with a new generation of investment leadership
The CGP team embodies the progression of partnership, expertise, and shared ambition within the ultra-luxury hospitality space. Built around a core group of professionals with deep roots in investment banking, development, and asset management, many have collaborated for more than 20 years on landmark resort projects worldwide. Alongside them, a new generation of leaders and specialists brings expanded skill sets and forward-looking perspectives- ensuring the platform continues to evolve with the industry it helps shape.
This collective strength lies in balance: legacy experience paired with emerging talent; institutional rigor blended with creative vision. United by a common purpose, the team approaches each project with the same hallmarks- precision, curiosity, and an enduring commitment to crafting destinations that stand the test of time.
Homi
Vazifdar
Homi Vazifdar is the Founder and Executive Director of the Canyon Group, bringing over 40 years of multifaceted lodging and hospitality experience through prior roles in development, design, and investment banking. Before founding Canyon Equity in 2005, he served as Global Head of Lodging at Banc of America Securities in San Francisco, where he was involved in numerous high-profile transactions. Homi continues to guide the Canyon family of companies, with a focus on design integrity and place-making, creating destinations defined by thoughtful design and a strong sense of place.
Robert
Hee
Robert Hee is Chief Executive Officer of Canyon Equity, contributing to strategic planning and oversight across the Canyon platform. Prior to joining Canyon in 2007, he spent nine years at Banc of America Securities, where he executed more than 50 M&A, debt, and equity transactions totaling over $20.0 billion. Robert holds an M.B.A. from the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College and B.S. and M.S. degrees from UCLA and Stanford University, respectively.
David
Philp
David Philp brings more than 30 years of experience in hospitality investment, development, and asset management. He has led platforms executing property acquisitions, dispositions, and advisory assignments representing over $2.0 billion in combined capital. David leads asset management for both the legacy Canyon portfolio and new CGP investments, while also assessing the feasibility of future acquisitions and developments. A graduate of the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, he is a frequent contributor to industry panels on lodging and real-estate investment.
Julien
Surget
Julien Surget has nearly 20 years of luxury-hospitality experience, including senior leadership roles at landmark properties. He previously managed Amangiri in Utah, elevating it into one of the most sought-after resorts in North America. Julien leads pre-development, feasibility, and operational consulting for Canyon Equity’s legacy portfolio as well as new CGP investments and select external advisory assignments. Earlier in his career, he held management roles at The Hay-Adams in Washington, D.C., Acqualina Resort & Spa in Miami, and Bucuti Beach Resort in Aruba.
Cyrus
Vazifdar
Cyrus Vazifdar has 20 years of experience in hospitality and capital markets, including 15 years in investment sales and advisory. Prior to CGP, he spent five years at Hodges Ward Elliott and nine years at HFF, specializing in ultra-luxury resort transactions, recapitalizations, and financings throughout the Americas. At CGP, Cyrus supports new investment initiatives, including sourcing, capital formation, and deal structuring. Over his career, he has been involved in more than $10.0 billion of completed resort transactions.
Pierce
Meck
Pierce Meck brings over 15 years of experience in hospitality investment and acquisitions. He has completed more than 30 transactions totaling over $2.0 billion across resort, urban, and lifestyle assets in the Americas. At CGP, Pierce focuses on new investment initiatives- supporting deal sourcing, capital raising, and transaction structuring. He earned a B.S. from Drexel University and was recognized as a Hotel Management “30 Under 30” award recipient.
Matthew
McGovern
Matthew McGovern has more than 20 years of experience in real estate and development, with a focus on hospitality and mixed-use projects. As Head of Development, he oversees all design, construction, and technical due diligence efforts for CGP and select external consulting engagements. He has held leadership roles at Cumming Group, Landry’s, and Ameristar, overseeing more than $1.5 billion in ground-up and redevelopment projects nationwide, including large-scale casinos, luxury resorts, and branded residences.
Mackenzie
Melikian
Mackenzie Melikian specializes in hospitality real estate investment and development strategy. At CGP, she supports investment initiatives across new acquisitions and developments. Her experience includes roles as a Senior Associate at JLL in the Hospitality Group and as an Associate at Hodges Ward Elliott in Investment Sales and Capital Markets. She earned a B.S. in Hotel Administration from Cornell University with a concentration in development and minors in real estate, design, and environmental analysis.
Charlotte
Hee
Charlotte Hee has experience in asset management, hospitality operations, and investment analysis. At CGP, she supports investment analysis, asset management, and operational underwriting for new investments. Prior to joining CGP, she was an Asset Management Analyst at Ohana Real Estate Investors, where she began as a Summer Analyst, and previously held roles at Hodges Ward Elliott, Luxury Frontiers, and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Charlotte earned a B.S. in Hotel Administration from Cornell University.
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