Kerzner unveils two leadership appointments amid brand management restructure

Kerzner International has made two leadership appointments as part of a new brand management structure designed to position the group for “continued growth and success in an ever-evolving market”.

The new structure sees an enhanced focus on brand verticals, with One&Only Resorts, Atlantis Dubai, and Siro and Rare Finds each being led by a divisional head who reports directly to Kerzner International chief executive Philippe Zuber.

The company said this “brand-led approach” ensured each area of the portfolio was “protected and enhanced”, allowing for “greater agility in responding to industry changes” and facilitating “continued creativity and innovation”.

As part of the new brand management structure, Kerzner has appointed Mark Kirby as president of One&Only Resorts and promoted Mattheos Georgiou to lead the Siro and Rare Finds brands as senior vice-president.

Kirby has more than 25 years’ leadership experience in the hospitality industry and most recently served as chief operating officer and head of hospitality at Emaar Hospitality Group where he oversaw a portfolio of more than 30 hotels, residences and leisure clubs across the UAE, GCC and international markets.

In his new role, commencing on January 6, Kirby will oversee One&Only Resorts’ global portfolio, spearheading its expansion into both established and emerging markets and enhancing brand awareness.

Georgiou, meanwhile, was promoted to senior vice-president of Siro and Rare Finds last month.

He joined Kerzner International as global vice-president of operations in 2022 and has played a “pivotal role” in enhancing the group’s global operational standards as well as elevating guest experience and supporting internal growth.

The new appointments come after Paul Baker was unveiled as the new president of Atlantis Resorts in August.

Zuber said: "We are focused on fostering exceptional leadership that drives our brands forward. The appointments of Mark Kirby as president of One&Only and Mattheos Georgiou as senior vice-president of Siro and Rare Finds, as well as Paul Baker’s role as president of Atlantis, are pivotal to our vision for Kerzner International’s future growth, creating a corporate structure primed for the strategic expansion of our portfolio and the ongoing pursuit of excellence.

“Kerzner is renowned for creating trailblazing hospitality experiences that disrupt the sector, and these strategic appointments underscore our commitment to protect and enhance our innovative brands, demonstrating our dedication to nurturing talent and driving sustainable growth, positioning Kerzner for continued success in the dynamic hospitality landscape."