Kerzner Appoints Chief Development Officer and EVP Global Business and Real Estate Development

Kerzner International Holdings has appointed Ian Connolly as Chief Development Officer and Paul Macpherson as Executive Vice President, Global Business and Real Estate Development.

The two executives will support the strategic worldwide growth of Kerzner International, including Atlantis and One&Only Resorts.

As Chief Development Officer, Ian Connolly will lead the global development of the company. He is responsible for all development projects worldwide, and leading the team of executives responsible for the planning and coordination of both design and construction.

“Ian has been an extraordinary asset to Kerzner International and I am so pleased with what he has accomplished for the company during this exciting growth phase,” said Alan Leibman, CEO, Kerzner International. “He has incredible passion and an unbelievable commitment to deliver the finest resorts and innovative experiences for our guests. I look forward to continuing to work with Ian as we continue to strategically focus on our growth.”

Mr. Connolly joined Kerzner International in 2005 as Vice President, Commercial, where he was integrally involved in every aspect of the design and development of Atlantis, The Palm and also assisted in contractual and commercial elements in the development of One&Only Cape Town and Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort.

Mr. Connolly was promoted in 2010 to Senior Vice President, Development and Facilities where he also took responsibility for the development of all new resorts including Atlantis, Sanya Hainan and multiple One&Only resorts.

In 2014, he was promoted to Executive Vice President, Development and Facilities, overseeing the extensive renovation of the iconic private island resort added to the One&Only collection, One&Only Hayman Island, and the new Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences in Dubai.

Prior to joining the company, Mr. Connolly was a Principal at London based Qubed and previously held a variety of leadership roles with top developers including: Digiplex, Canary Wharf Contractors Ltd., Ellis Don Construction in Asia and Lehrer McGovern International.

Paul Macpherson has been named Executive Vice President, Global Business and Real Estate Development and will drive the business development strategy to continue the global expansion of Kerzner International’s brands.

“I am thrilled to have Paul join Kerzner International at this exciting time of growth for the company,” said Alan Leibman. “He is the perfect fit for this crucial role as his career achievements in global expansion and long-term management agreements reflect our current growth strategy. I look forward to working with Paul in developing the right partnerships for us as we continue to build our brands and introduce our experiences to guests around the world.”

Mr. Macpherson joins Kerzner International with over 30 years in the hospitality and financial segments. Most recently, he was with Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants International where, as President and Managing Director, he implemented the 10-year international expansion strategy for Premier Inn hotels. He built that company’s international presence, as well as established a robust development pipeline spanning from Saudi Arabia to Indonesia.

Mr. Macpherson joined Whitbread from Jumeirah Group where he held the position of Chief Development Officer from 2005, overseeing the entire development strategy of global expansion for the brand.

Prior to joining Jumeirah, he worked with Hilton International where he held the position of Vice President Development for Asia Pacific and Middle East and PKF Consulting in Hong Kong and Singapore as Vice President - Asia Pacific.

Prior to moving to Asia, Macpherson worked for the Royal Bank of Canada, Price Waterhouse and Air Canada.