Company Creation Series: John Terzian
Join us for the next installment of the USC Iovine and Young Academy Company Creation Series powered by Genius Ventures (co-founded by Ben Taft, Academy Alum & Board of Councilors Member), featuring John Terzian.
John Terzian is the co-founder and co-president of The h.wood Group, one of the most influential hospitality companies of the past two decades. Known for his instinctive understanding of atmosphere, culture, and community, Terzian has helped redefine modern hospitality by creating destinations that bring together design, music, dining, and storytelling to create experiences that resonate far beyond the walls of a restaurant or club.
Since founding The h.wood Group alongside longtime partner Brian Toll, Terzian has played a central role in shaping a portfolio of globally recognized concepts celebrated for their distinct identity, meticulous design, and devoted following. While Toll oversees the company’s strategic business operations, Terzian is widely regarded as the creative heartbeat of the brand, personally involved in developing the tone, aesthetic, and experience behind many of the group’s most iconic venues. His ability to connect people across industries, from artists and musicians to entrepreneurs and cultural leaders, has made him one of hospitality’s most respected connectors and tastemakers.
Under Terzian’s creative leadership, The h.wood Group has expanded its influence beyond traditional brick-and-mortar venues into the production of large-scale experiential events tied to some of the world’s most significant cultural moments. From Formula 1 and Coachella to the Cannes Film Festival, Art Basel, and the Super Bowl, these gatherings bring together global creatives, athletes, and tastemakers within immersive environments that have become synonymous with the h.wood brand. Terzian has long believed that as the world becomes increasingly digital, people crave authentic, in-person experiences more than ever, an idea reflected in his work, which champions the power of connection through hospitality, music, and shared celebration.
In recent years, Terzian has expanded his storytelling ambitions through the launch of h.wood Media, the company’s film and television production arm. The division debuted with the Emmy-nominated docuseries They Call Me Magic, chronicling the life and legacy of Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and has since grown into a broader production platform with several projects in development, including documentaries exploring the lives of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat and renowned Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor Gustavo Dudamel.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Terzian remains deeply committed to philanthropy and community engagement. He serves on the board of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and supports the work of amfAR. He also dedicates time to coaching his son’s football team, drawing from his own experience as a quarterback at the University of Southern California to teach young athletes the values of leadership, resilience, and teamwork.