LOS ANGELES—Earvin “Magic” Johnson, chairman/CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE), will serve as the closing keynote speaker on the first day of the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) here, January 27-29, 2014.
The Hall of Famer is a major league baseball owner, an entrepreneur, a philanthropist, and a motivational speaker. He has parlayed his skills and tenacity on the basketball court into the business world, propelling his company to the status of one of the top brands in urban America.
MJE provides quality products and services that focus primarily on ethnically diverse and underserved urban communities through strategic alliances, investments, consulting and endorsements.
The conglomerate is comprised of multiple business entities and partnerships that consists of Yucaipa Johnson, a $500-million private equity fund that includes Inner City Broadcasting Corporation; ASPIRE, an African-American television network; SodexoMAGIC, a food service and facilities management company; Magic Johnson Bridgescape Academies, a high school drop-out prevention program; Clear Health Alliance, a healthcare provider with a specialty plan for HIV/AIDS patients; and Magic Airport Holdings, which includes Magic Johnson Sports.
Additionally, Johnson has teamed up with Tim Leiweke of AEG in an effort to build a new stadium and bring an NFL team back to Los Angeles, as well as thousands of jobs to the city.
In the business world, Johnson is most noted for his 1998 Starbucks partnership, which served as the catalyst for redevelopment in urban communities and has served as a blueprint for Corporate America’s engagement and success with urban consumers.
Johnson also serves as chairman/founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation, committed to transforming urban America continues through HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention programs, community empowerment centers, and the Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program.