Kerzner International has named Paul Baker as the new president of Atlantis Resorts.

He will replace Timothy Kelly, who stepped down from his role this summer after nearly seven years at the helm. 

Baker will report into Kerzner International chief executive Philippe Zuber and will lead the operations, strategic direction, management and continued growth of Atlantis Dubai, which includes sister properties Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal. 

The group said “in due course” he would also oversee Atlantis Sanya in China. 

Baker brings more than 20 years of international experience to the role. He most recently served as president of Grand Liboa Palace in Macau, managing the successful opening of the 1,892-room integrated resort. 

Prior to that he was deputy chief operating officer of Genting Malaysia Berhad, the largest integrated luxury resort in the world, consisting of 10,000 hotel rooms, 200 F&B outlets, a theme park, retail space and a golf course.

Zuber said: “Paul’s appointment sets an exciting tone for the future for Atlantis Resorts, as we continue to build on the exceptional success of our iconic and industry-leading brand, that has captured the imagination of so many. 

“Atlantis is an incredible success story. It continues to be the leading resort in its destination and is legendary around the world. I am delighted to welcome Paul to become part of the Kerzner legacy, he brings a wealth of experience and acumen, and I trust that under his expert guidance and leadership, Atlantis will reach even greater heights, continually surpassing our guests’ expectations and creating moments that are extraordinary.”

Kerzner International said Baker was joining at a “key time” for the brand, after Atlantis The Palm achieved its highest year-to-date revenue in resort history for the first half of 2024.