Kerzner International Holdings has announced a restructuring of its leadership team, with current CEO Michael Wale joining the Board of Directors, whilst COO Philippe Zuber is appointed CEO in his place. Elsewhere, CFO Michel Checoury will take on additional duties as CAO.

“On behalf of the Board and all my colleagues, I would like to express my thanks to Michael for his solid leadership, commitment and hard work,” says Mohammed Al Shaibani, Executive Director & CEO of Investment Corporation of Dubai, and Chairman of Kerzner International Holdings. “He has built a strong foundation for the Company. We wish him well in his new role and I am delighted that he will be joining us on the Board to continue the work of growing the Company.”

During his time as CEO, Wale oversaw an expansion plan that included the launches of One&Only Nyungwe House and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, as well as the brand’s first private home residences and the signing of another five resorts currently in the pipeline. This era also saw significant technological development within the Kerzner portfolio, with the launch of new websites, an integrated platform for travel partners and a guest profiling system.

“I am incredibly proud of our team for all that has been accomplished at Kerzner International over the last two and half years,” says Wale. “I am honoured to have worked with such amazing people and I know that we are well positioned for the future. I am thrilled that I am able to continue to be part of the future of Kerzner going forward by joining the board, who have always been so supportive during my tenure. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the team and our partners and am excited for the future of the company.”

Meanwhile, having joined the company in 2015 as President and COO, Zuber has guided the development of One&Only’s nature, urban and private home resorts, building on the existing beach portfolio. He also introduced the brand’s “we create joy” philosophy, along with the its global partnership with health and wellness brand Chenot.   

“Philippe has been instrumental in the success of the Company and I look forward to working with him as CEO,” Al Shaibani adds. “This is an extremely important time as the world re-opens for travel and we continue our accelerated growth and further expansion of our existing brands, Atlantis and One&Only. We are also aggressively introducing new brands and experiences around the world.  Philippe has achieved outstanding guest satisfaction and worldwide recognition for our brands.”

Lastly, Checoury – an industry veteran with previous roles at Aman, Mandarin Oriental and Jumeirah – will take on duties including the development and implementation of technical services and information technology experiences, having driven the portfolio’s financial growth since 2018.

“As we continue to strategically grow our existing portfolio, I am incredibly pleased to have such experienced executives to support our business in both Philippe and Michel,” Al Shaibani concludes. “I look forward to the continued growth of Kerzner International, further prosperity and an expanded strategic global footprint.”

www.kerzner.com