Francisco Canestri

Francisco Canestri is a sophisticated real estate development professional with a progressive career managing ultra-luxury and design-focused hospitality, residential and mixed-use projects in the Americas and Europe.

Highly knowledgeable in all phases and aspects of development including site and feasibility analysis, acquisitions, scheduling, budgeting, strategic design, consultant selection, project management, and construction management, for hotel and mixed-use pre-opening and turnover phase to owners and tenants.

A strong leader that creates synergy in collaboration across all disciplines. Works effectively with owners, key stakeholders, senior management, clients, consultants, and contractors to optimise value and deliver distinct projects that are fiscally responsible and holistically beneficial.

At Witkoff he was brought to spearhead their Miami Projects. His leadership has been key in the repositioning of the legendary Shore Club hotel as an ultra-luxury enclave inclusive of 49 oceanfront residences with a 75-room Auberge Resort.

With Terra Group, his participation has been key in redefining luxury living in Miami with two design-oriented projects: Eighty-Seven Park by Renzo Piano and Light House by Marcio Kogan.

From 2008 to 2014, Francisco was responsible for development at Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts in the Americas & Europe. His participation was key to tripling the brand presence in Europe with new hotel openings in Frankfurt, London, Rome and Mallorca.

From 2004 to 2008, Francisco was responsible for Skyline Equities Realty and Cardinal Development Corporation projects. Leading the completion of Skyline on Brickell and New Wave Condominiums, launching Skyline at Mary Brickell Village and repositioning the Grand Beach Hotel in Miami Beach.

Between 1998 and 2004, at Peter Marino he was responsible for Fred Joailliers new stores design concept, development, implementation and international roll out. At YabuPushelberg he was responsible for the interior design of the Hard Rock Hotel in Chicago and the West Wing of the MGM Grand Las Vegas.

Francisco Canestri has an Architect Diploma from the Universidad Central de Venezuela in Caracas and a Master Degree in Interior Design from Pratt Institute. He has also Certificates on Real Estate Development from New York University and Hotel Real Estate Investment from Cornell University.

Since 2004, Francisco has made Miami his home where he lives with his wife Inés and their kids Carla and Claudio.