Chagit Sofiev-Leviev Appointed As CEO For Real Estate Development Firm Africa Israel USA

Photo credit: Tamar Mazefi

New York—Real estate development company Africa Israel USA (AFI USA), recently named Chagit Sofiev-Leviev as chief executive officer for the firm. 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.

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-square-foot retail condominium unit in the historic Times Square Building (TSB) on West 43^rd and 44^th Streets in Manhattan that houses restaurants Guy’s American Kitchen & Bar and Jekyll & Hyde; Bowlmor Lanes’ flagship location and The Discovery Museum.

Since joining, Sofiev-Leviev has already completed a $215 million refinance for TSB, reducing its interest expense and lengthening the loan terms. Additionally, Sofiev-Leviev is currently negotiating leases for the 43^rd Street retail space at TSB with several retailers and eateries.

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 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.