Africa Israel USA has named Chagit Sofiev-Leviev as chief executive officer, the company announced today. While still serving as CEO for LGC USA Holdings, Inc., a privately owned holdings company, Sofiev-Leviev will work with AFI USA to manage the company’s current portfolio of U.S. assets. She is the daughter of Lev Leviev, CEO of Africa Israel.
AFI USA’s U.S. assets include Casa Moderna Hotel & Spa at the Marquis Residences, a 67-story luxury condominium located at 1100 Biscayne Boulevard in Downtown Miami and the 250,000 s/f retail condominium unit in the former New York Times Building on West 43rd and 44th Streets in Manhattan that houses restaurants Guy’s American Kitchen & Bar and Jekyll & Hyde; Bowlmor Lanes’ flagship location and The Discovery Museum.
“Chagit’s drive and determination are going to be instrumental in moving AFI forward,” said Damien Stein, COO at AFI USA. “She is a tremendous leader and we are thrilled to have her at the helm.”
Since joining, Sofiev-Leviev has already completed a $215 million refinance for the Times Square building, reducing its interest expense and lengthening the loan terms. Additionally, Sofiev-Leviev is currently negotiating leases for the 43rd Street retail space.
With broad expertise in real estate financing, investment, development, asset management and leasing, Sofiev-Leviev will also work with the AFI USA team to accomplish the company’s goals and long-term objectives.
In addition to serving as CEO for LGC USA, Sofiev-Leviev served as Chief Financial Officer for Memorand Group, a privately owned holdings company in Israel and prior to that, was a financial advisor at Deloitte & Touche in Israel – a top-ranked global professional services firm – advising on international real estate valuations and business plans. She is a member of numerous Boards of Directors for a wide range of companies in Israel and the USA, including real estate, holdings, fashion, and multimedia industries.
Sofiev-Leviev, a mother of two daughters, holds a B.A. in economics and business administration from Bar Ilan University in Israel and currently resides in New York City.
