Simon Cooper is Moving On Up from Ritz-Carlton to Marriott Asia Pacific
Beijing Marriott Hotel City Wall
We were pretty stunned to hear that Ritz-Carlton's CEO and President Simon Cooper was leaving the brand, but it looks like he's getting a far bigger job. We had heard he would stay on at Marriott in another capacity and as it turns out he will now be president and managing director of Marriott's Asia Pacific division--an exciting job for sure, given all the hotel action that's going on in China. In fact, Marriott has 130 hotels and 70 more under development in this region. Plus, he gets to be based in Hong Kong.
Marriott tells us the move is a part of their ongoing strategy for the last 18 months to break the Marriott company into four divisions---Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East and Africa. These divisions were designed to facilitate growth and bring more Marriott-branded hotels to the market, i.e. opening them faster so we can stay in them.
Previously, The Americas and Europe had been set and their presidents determined but Asia Pacific needed a leader and Cooper was selected for the job. Meanwhile, Ed Fuller, who brought International Lodging into Marriott, will be the president and managing director for Middle East and Africa with a particular focus on sub-Saharan Africa locations.
A Marriott rep assured us that this was a "normal progression" for the company and a "wonderful promotion" for Cooper as he will be in charge of all Marriott brands in the Asia division and that includes Ritz. His new job begins on September 1. That's also when Herve Humler will assume control as president and COO of Ritz-Carlton. We wish Simon all the best and hopes he still keeps up with some regular Twittering.
Anyone with more insider knowledge on what is happening with Ritz-Carlton, Marriott Hotels or Simon Cooper? Let us know!
[Photo: Lyn Gately]
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