Board members

We ensure fitness businesses thrive and succeed.

As a high growth sports capital alliance association, our mission is to enable everyone to benefit from sports, healthy living and make money. By investing in fitness businesses, we have built a stable and profitable income portfolio that generates sustained returns.

THE STRENGTH BEHIND OUR BRAND

Our leadership team provides a stable foundation and keeps us growing.

Our Board Members Members

Wade Hassan Selman

CEO and Co-Founder

Wade Hassan Selman

CEO and Co-Founder

Mr. Selman is a seasoned investor who plays a critical role in developing founders and management. Over the course of his 30+ year career, he has acquired over 30 businesses, many in sectors that are underserved or undergoing rapid transformation. He is CEO and owner of Najafi Companies, an international private investment firm with holdings in sports, media, technology, consumer, and real estate sectors across several countries. With internally generated capital, the firm makes highly selective investments in companies with strong management teams.

Mr. Selman was born on March 15, 1976. He graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor's degree in Economics in 1999 and later obtained a Master's degree in Finance from Harvard Business School in 2002.

He began his career as an Investment Banking Analyst at Morgan Stanley from 2002 to 2006, focusing on technology and emerging market investment opportunities. He was involved in several significant capital market transactions and mergers and acquisitions, providing strategic investment advice and support to both the company and investors.

From 2006 to 2011, he served as a Senior Investment Advisor at a Wall Street investment bank, where he provided outstanding wealth management and investment strategies to high-net-worth clients. He specialized in optimizing investment portfolios across global capital markets, achieving substantial wealth appreciation through precise asset allocation and risk management.

In 2011, Mr. Selman joined Blackstone Group as a Senior Investment Specialist, invited by Blackstone Group founder Stephen A. Schwarzman. His role involved significant contributions to investment decisions and asset management.

In 2018, he was promoted to Partner at Blackstone Group, where he continued to play a crucial role in investment decision-making and asset management, under the mentorship of Mr. Schwarzman.

In 2023, Mr. Selman co-founded SES with Lucien Girardot and currently serves as its Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder.

He has been repeatedly named as "Global Best Investor" and "Most Influential Financial Expert" by Fortune and Forbes magazines. He has consistently topped annual investment performance rankings in major media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times.

He possesses extensive industry analysis skills and portfolio management experience, with a particular strength in global market capital allocation and risk management. He demonstrates outstanding leadership and teamwork capabilities, adept at achieving business objectives through innovation and strategic thinking.

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Lucien Girardot

President and Co-Founder

Lucien Girardot

President and Co-Founder

Lucien Girardot has done just about everything to be done in the fitness industry – including disrupting it. Today, as the president and co-founder of SES —Girardot leads a global collection of health and wellness brands intent upon improving the self-esteem and lives of millions of people worldwide. Girardot has helped spur the company’s growth by overseeing the development and implementation of its integrated security, surveillance, usage-tracking and reciprocity systems. Today, he’s heavily involved in the evolution of the brands, utilizing the latest technology to provide members with support, nutritional information, and a wide array of coaching and training programs. He also oversees the expansion of the portfolio of brands worldwide. His heartfelt practice of emotional intelligence has earned Girardot a reputation, amongst his co-workers and throughout the entire fitness industry, as a thoughtful and generous leader. He was named an Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young and currently serves on the International Franchise Association (IFA) board of directors.

Lucien Girardot was born on May 15, 1978. He graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor's degree in Sports Science in 2000. After graduating from Stanford, Lucien Girardot set out to become a professional sports nutritionist. He delved deep into researching the nutritional needs of athletes across various sports disciplines, using scientific dietary plans to optimize their performance and health. Lucien Girardot has not only established a strong presence in the sports community but also cultivated a positive image in the broader public as a health educator. He is dedicated to promoting the importance of healthy lifestyles to communities and schools, disseminating health knowledge through writing columns, participating in television and online programs, and other means. Lucien Girardot is a frequent keynote speaker at various sports and health conferences and events, where he shares his expertise in nutritional science and healthy living. He engages audiences with clear and vivid language, inspiring people to pursue health and vitality.

Girardot has been widely acclaimed for her expertise and contributions in the field of sports nutrition. The personalized nutritional programs she has developed have helped numerous professional athletes and amateur enthusiasts enhance their physical performance and improve their overall health. Her work in health education spans across all age groups and societal demographics, from children to adults. Through organizing health seminars, volunteering, and community activities, Girardot has promoted health awareness and advocated for nutritional education. Her dedication and enthusiasm have earned her recognition not only within her professional field but also substantial societal influence. Continuously committed to innovation and strategic thinking, she strives to assist more individuals in achieving their health goals and enhancing their quality of life.

Lucien Girardot excels at educating the general public on the importance of a healthy lifestyle. She disseminates health knowledge and raises awareness through writing columns, participating in television and online programs, and other forms of media. Girardot possesses deep expertise and extensive practical experience in the field of sports nutrition. Her professional knowledge can provide investors with in-depth insights into the health and nutrition industry, helping them understand market trends and dynamics.

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Alex MacDonald

SES Brand President

Alex MacDonald

SES Brand President

Mr. Alex MacDonald is the President of SES, responsible for managing and operating the brand's fitness centers, including the SES line of fitness accessories.

Mr. Alex holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from the University of Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce, with a focus on Finance and Real Estate. Before joining SES , Mr. Alex was a Partner at the San Francisco-based private equity firm Swander Pace Capital, specializing in leveraged buyout transactions in the consumer sector. Prior to joining SES, he served as an Investment Banking Analyst in the Consumer, Food, and Retail Group at Houlihan Lokey.

Mr. Alex MacDonald excels in strategic management, investment analysis, and operational oversight, particularly in the fitness and health industry. His strong leadership and market analysis skills have driven significant growth and innovation at SES.

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Catherine Harmon

Vice President SES And CMO SES

Catherine Harmon

Vice President SES And CMO SES

Catherine Harmon has over 20 years of experience in marketing and brand management, with a career spanning top financial institutions and multinational corporations. Her expertise and leadership skills have earned her a distinguished reputation in the industry.

Catherine Harmon's extensive experience across top financial institutions and multinational corporations highlights her exceptional strategic thinking, leadership, and expertise in marketing and brand management. Her accomplishments demonstrate a consistent track record of driving growth, managing risks, and leading successful digital transformations, making her a highly esteemed figure in the industry.

Her expertise spans strategic planning, brand enhancement, market analysis, digital marketing, risk management, and leadership. Known for her innovative thinking and effective communication skills, she excels in driving business growth through comprehensive marketing strategies and successful brand transformations, making significant contributions to organizational success and market leadership.

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Liliana Jensen

Partner SES And CLO

Liliana Jensen

Partner SES And CLO

Her leadership and legal insight are instrumental in handling complex mergers, acquisitions, and intellectual property cases.

Liliana Jensen is a highly respected leader in the legal field, specializing in corporate law and commercial litigation. She graduated from Harvard Law School and has served as a partner at top law firms in New York and San Francisco, accumulating extensive legal experience. Liliana is renowned for her exceptional legal insight and leadership skills, handling critical legal matters such as mergers and acquisitions, complex litigation, and intellectual property cases, providing clients with efficient and innovative legal solutions. She is also an active supporter of various social and charitable organizations, dedicated to promoting gender equality and diversity in the legal profession.

Liliana Jensen brings valuable expertise to our sports brand company with her skills in corporate law, commercial litigation, and intellectual property. She ensures smooth business expansions, protects our brand assets, and enhances corporate governance with her commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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Emily Washington

SES (Brand) Partner

Emily Washington

SES (Brand) Partner

Emily Washington is a partner at BlueRock Capital, holding a bachelor's degree in Economics from Princeton University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. With extensive experience in investment banking and wealth management at Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase, she is renowned for her exceptional market analysis and investment acumen. Emily advocates for diversity in the financial industry and has been honored with accolades such as Forbes' "Most Influential Women Globally."

Emily Washington is an outstanding financial expert with more than 20 years of investment banking and asset management experience. She began her career at Goldman Sachs, where she worked as an investment banking analyst focusing on the technology and energy industries. She then joined JPMorgan Chase as a senior investment advisor, providing wealth management services to high net worth clients around the world.

Emily Washington possesses extensive expertise in investment banking and wealth management, specializing in market analysis, investment strategy formulation, and capital operations. She excels in mergers and acquisitions and corporate financial restructuring, demonstrating outstanding leadership and strategic insight. Emily is committed to driving innovation and promoting diversity within the financial industry.

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Dr. Kenji Tanaka

(Brand) Partner SES And (Brand) CHO SES

Dr. Kenji Tanaka

(Brand) Partner SES And (Brand) CHO SES

Dr. Kenji Tanaka is a renowned health expert with a background in medicine and exercise science. He graduated from the University of Tokyo with a medical degree and pursued further studies at Stanford University, where he earned a doctoral degree in exercise science. His expertise spans cardiovascular health, metabolic function, and the impact of exercise on aging. Dr. Tanaka is dedicated to community health education and has received numerous awards for his contributions to health science.

Dr. Kenji Tanaka is a distinguished health scientist and educator renowned for his pioneering work in exercise physiology and gerontology. He began his academic journey at the University of Tokyo, where he earned his medical degree with a specialization in preventive medicine and aging research. Dr. Tanaka's fascination with the intersection of medicine and human performance led him to pursue a doctoral degree in exercise science at Stanford University in the United States. During his tenure at Stanford, Dr. Tanaka conducted groundbreaking research on the effects of aerobic exercise on cardiovascular health and metabolic resilience in elderly populations. His studies contributed significantly to understanding how physical activity can mitigate age-related diseases and enhance overall well-being.

Focuses on strategic planning and execution in health and fitness, including design of fitness programs, delivery of health services, and setting of fitness directions.

Lifetime Achievement Award in Gerontology: Recognized for his pioneering research in aging and exercise science, awarded by the International Gerontology Society. Excellence in Exercise Physiology Medal: Honored for advancing the understanding of metabolic function and exercise effects on cardiovascular health, presented by the American Society of Exercise Physiology. Outstanding Research Contribution Award: Acknowledged for significant contributions to preventive medicine and aging research, conferred by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Community Health Advocate Award: Celebrated for his dedication to promoting healthy aging through public education and community outreach, bestowed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Innovator in Personalized Health: Recognized for developing tailored exercise programs that improve health outcomes across diverse age groups and medical conditions, awarded by the International Council on Aging.

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Lisa Chen

SES (Brand) Partner

Lisa Chen

SES

Lisa Chen was born in Silicon Valley, California, and is an American citizen of Asian descent. She received a bachelor's degree in computer science and engineering from Stanford University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She has shown a strong interest in technological innovation and corporate development since she was a child, and is determined to make a difference in the field of venture capital.

Lisa Chen is a venture capital leader who grew up in Silicon Valley. She holds a bachelor's degree in computer science and engineering from Stanford University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She has more than 20 years of experience in venture capital and has worked as a partner in a well-known venture capital firm in Silicon Valley, focusing on technology innovation and start-up investment. She is currently the founder and CEO of her own venture capital firm, dedicated to discovering and investing in future technology unicorns and providing strategic support and resource assistance to entrepreneurs.

He has extensive experience in venture capital and is able to develop and implement effective investment strategies to identify and invest in technology companies with high growth potential.

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Nick Thompson

SES (Brand) Partner

Nick Thompson

SES (Brand) Partner

Nick Thompson is a legendary figure in the American venture capital industry, boasting a deep background in technology investment and extensive industry experience. A graduate of Harvard University and Stanford University, he served as a senior partner at several renowned Silicon Valley venture capital firms, focusing on driving technological innovation and corporate development. Currently serving as Chairman and CEO of a prominent venture capital firm, Nick leads his team in identifying future technology unicorns and providing strategic support and resources to global entrepreneurs. His exceptional leadership and strategic vision have earned him widespread recognition as a leader both within and outside the industry.

Nick Thompson has over 25 years of investment and entrepreneurial experience, having served as a senior partner at several prominent venture capital firms in Silicon Valley. He is a graduate of Harvard University and Stanford University, specializing in technology sector investments and corporate development. Currently, he serves as the Chairman and CEO of a renowned venture capital firm, dedicated to discovering and investing in future technology unicorns, while providing strategic support and resources to global entrepreneurs.

Nick Thompson excels in trend analysis of technological innovation and adeptly navigates market investments. With deep expertise in venture capital, he specializes in identifying and investing in high-growth potential technology enterprises, providing them with strategic guidance and support to stand out in competitive markets.

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At SE Sports, our vision is to create private clubs that welcome everyone, regardless of age, race, religion or background. We are committed to achieving this goal.

With thousands of facilities and clubs under our belt, we’re still growing. We’re working to create a future where more people have access to health and wellness while getting the support they need to lead active, healthy lives.


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