Pouria Abbassi
Pouria Abbassi is the General Manager and CEO of the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), one of the most efficiently designed and technologically advanced facilities in the world. Host to over 2.5 million visitors and 440 events per year, the Convention Center is an enterprise-funded economic engine, representing Los Angeles worldwide and generating close to $1 Billion in net economic activity and 12,000 jobs annually.
Mr. Abbassi has developed and implemented a strategic business plan, built upon three pillars of community, business and environment, establishing a road map for the LACC to achieve unprecedented financial, operational and environmental results in a very short period of time. Pouria closely collaborates with principals within Los Angeles businesses and hospitality community, the monumental Sports and Entertainment District project (LA Live/Staples Center/Nokia Theatre) and other developments in downtown Los Angeles in terms of coordinating and phasing of activities and the overall ambitious programs of promoting Los Angeles. As an integral part of his responsibilities, Mr. Abbassi frequently interacts with elected and appointed officials across an array of agencies within local, regional and national jurisdictions.
Previous to this appointment, Mr. Abbassi served as LACC’s Executive Assistant General Manager and Chief Operating Officer overseeing all the operational aspects and revenue centers of over $30 M at the 54 acre, 4.1 million sq ft property. He continues to lead a large team of full, part time and contract staff in show operations, sales and marketing, telecommunications, electrical and craft shops, parking, building maintenance, infrastructure improvements, administrative support functions and full scale food, beverage and catering services. Prior to joining the LACC, Pouria served as the Sr. Technology Analyst for the CAO of the City of Los Angeles conducting cost/benefit analysis and reviewing the budgeting, financing and implementation of over $100 million of information technology related projects. Mr. Abbassi’s experience also includes project engineering, debt financing, environmental analysis and research and development in the implementation of the Automated Recycling, Refuse and Yard Trimming Curbside Collection programs while serving in various capacities in the Department of Public Works of the City of Los Angeles.
While in the private sector, Pouria Abbassi was involved in statistical analysis of moving source emissions, conducted engineering project management for underground fuel storage tanks’ removal and installations and did significant research in low temperature engineering. He has several publications in the areas of cryogenics engineering and high temperature superconductivity and is a multiple recipient of research and performance awards.
Mr. Abbassi is an Iranian-American and a graduate of UCLA School of Engineering and Anderson School of Management- Executive Management program. He is also a registered professional mechanical engineer in the State of California. Mr. Abbassi sits on the Boards of the Los Angeles Business Council, Providence Tarzana Hospital and PAAIA and is an active member of the Pacific Council on International Policy, Greater Los Angeles Chambers of Commerce, Encino Chamber of Commerce, Central City Association and various industry associations. He has frequently been a speaker on an array of topics including corporate leadership and vision, environmental stewardship and business sustainability and balancing of corporate social responsibilities.
Mr. Abbassi, a 26 year Los Angeles resident, lives in Tarzana with his wife and two children.