e retirement of chief executive Guy Crawford and the appointment of Nicholas Clayton as chief operating officer.

Clayton joins Jumeirah from the Viceroy Hotel Group where he was president and later chief executive.

In that role he led a team of 3,500 in 15 properties and previously he spent 14 years with Ritz-Carlton in their businesses in the United States, Australia and Singapore.

He has also worked for Mandarin Oriental.

Crawford will retire in June after 10 years with the company.

Since joining the group has grown into a collection of 20 five star hotels and hotel residences with a portfolio of other profitable businesses including restaurants, spas, water parks and the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management.

Executive Chairman Gerald Lawless said: “We are immensely grateful to Guy Crawford for his tireless and energetic contribution to Jumeirah.”

"He will leave behind an enduring memory of his tremendous passion for the business as well as a huge appetite for the unexpected challenge.

"We wish Guy and his family every happiness for the future.

“The company is also delighted to welcome Nicholas Clayton.

“He comes at a time of significant expansion with the company doubling the number of hotels under management from 2011 to 2012 and now having a presence in 11 countries round the globe.

"His experience and leadership skills will help steer the company towards continued success and profitable growth in key m