Emaar Hires CEO for Armani Job
Robert Riley to head Emaar Hotels & Resorts, will triple number of hotels with investment of US$3 bi
DUBAI, UAE, March 3, 2006. Emaar Properties today announced the appointment of Robert Riley as the new CEO of Emaar Hotels & Resorts. He will drive the ambitious development of Armani branded hotels and resorts that will open around the world.
Announcing the appointment, Emaar Chairman Mohamed Ali Alabbar said: "Robert brings with him a wealth of real estate acquisition and development experience, specifically focused on the hospitality industry. Under his ten year tenure at Mandarin Oriental, Robert led the Group beyond its then Asian regional focus to being a truly global luxury hospitality brand. In addition, in his previous roles as CEO for groups such as Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts and Crown Limited, he led the strategic restructuring of the business, with great success.
We are confident that with his professional background and awareness of what works in the real estate market today, Robert will be able to achieve the aspirations of the shareholders of Emaar, and to deliver the best in hospitality services," added Alabbar.
During his ten years as CEO of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Robert drove the expansion of the company internationally and doubled the size of the company. For the past two years, Robert has been at the helm of Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts and has successfully completed the task of restructuring the organization.
It may be recalled that Giorgio Armani S.p.A. and EMAAR Hotels & Resorts LLC announced in May, 2005 the formal contractual agreement between the two companies for the development of a unique international collection of 'Armani Hotels and Resorts'.
While the original agreement had agreed plans to open at least seven luxury hotels and three vacation resorts within the next ten years backed by an investment of over US$1 billion, Emaar is currently planning to triple the plans to develop up to 30 hotels and resorts with an investment outlay of US$3 billion.
Under the terms of the agreement, Giorgio Armani S.p.A. has awarded a long term license to EMAAR Hotel & Resorts LLC for the operation of a collection of luxury hotels and resorts, whereby EMAAR will be fully responsible for real estate, construction, management and operations, with Giorgio Armani overseeing all aspects of content, design and style, including interiors and amenities, incorporating the various Armani fashion, furnishings and beauty collections.
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