Efrem Harkham

Efrem Harkham was born in an Orthodox Jewish family in Israel.[1][2][3] His maternal ancestors are keepers of Ezra's Tomb in Iraq.[4] However, he grew up in Australia.[1][3][5] He studied Law at university.[6] He has a brother, Uri Harkham, the former President and Chief Executive Officer of Harkham Industries, a women's clothing company, Chairman Emeritus of Harkham Properties, and a Director of Public Storage.[7][8]

Harkham started his career in the fashion industry.[2] He served as the Chief Executive Officer of Harkham Industries, representing the Jonathan Martin and Hype brands.[2]

Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

He moved to Los Angeles in 1978.[2] Five years later, in 1983, he purchased the Bel-Air Summit Hotel, now known as the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel, located in Bel Air.[1][3][9] A decade later, in 1993, he purchased the Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel, located on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.[1][4] He subsequently added a third hotel to his portfolio, known as the Luxe City Center Hotel, located in Downtown Los Angeles.[2] The three hotels comprise the Luxe Hotels brand.[1]

He founded Luxe Worldwide Hotels in 1998.[10] He serves as its President and Chief Executive Officer.[10] The company provides marketing, sales and reservation services to 200 hotels globally, with a workforce of 315 employees.[1]

He serves on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Television Network.[3]

In 1991, with his brother Uri, he donated $1 million to the Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy.[3] With his ex-wife, he also donated to the 2008 renovation of the Shalhevet High School, a co-education Orthodox Jewish school in Los Angeles.[11] Additionally, he has donated to the Orthodox Union and Chabad.[3]

He organizes the annual Apple Ball for the Beverly Hills Education Foundation.[6]

He is a naturalized American citizen.[5] He was married to Kendra Harkham; they divorced in 2011.[12] He resides in Beverly Hills, California.[6]