HONG KONG: As president and COO of One&Only Resorts, Mark DeCocinis will lead the strategic development of the One&Only brand, including oversight of all future developments and the operational success of all existing One&Only resorts.
One&Only recently announced three new resort projects – One&Only Sanya, One&Only Montenegro and One&Only Jeddah – with more announcements expected.
“I am thrilled to have [DeCocinis] join One&Only Resorts at this exciting time of growth for the company,” said Alan Leibman, CEO of Kerzner International.
“He is the perfect fit for this crucial role as his career achievements in developing passionate people to deliver service excellence reflect our own One&Only core values. I look forward to working with [him] as we continue to build the brand worldwide and open resorts which will set a new level of expectation in the ultra-luxury sector.”
DeCocinis joins One&Only with over 25 years in the luxury hospitality segment, having held both operational and corporate senior leadership positions. Most recently he was with Shangri-La International Hotel Management, where, in his capacity of executive vice-president, he oversaw the operations of properties in South Asia, Middle East, Africa, Europe, Americas, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan.
DeCocinis was also responsible for the overall leadership of the group’s growth outside of China and Asia, and most recently opened three new hotels in Toronto, Mumbai and Istanbul, with six more scheduled to open in 2013.
DeCocinis began his career at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, where he held various leadership positions based in the US and Asia for over two decades. His tenure with Ritz-Carlton included general manager and regional roles in Aspen, San Francisco and Shanghai. In his last role, as regional vice-president for Asia Pacific, he was responsible for the overall leadership of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in the region, not only driving the business, but also leading development projects and launching new brands for the company.
DeCocinis has been honoured with multiple awards for his work within China, including the Friendship Award by China’s former premier, Wen Jiabao, in recognition of his contribution to China’s growth and development in business, academics, science, technology, hospitality by China, and The Magnolia Gold Award from the Shanghai municipal government as one of 10 Top Business Leaders for outstanding contribution to Shanghai business development by the mayor of Shanghai.
Kerzner also announced the promotion of Stephan Killinger to president, Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort.
Killinger has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry and has worked around the world, including UK, US, Bahamas, the Philippines, Australia, Bali, Switzerland, Egypt and Germany. He has held leadership positions for a number of luxury hotel brands, including Four Seasons, The Peninsula Hotels, and Ritz-Carlton. His career also includes prior positions within Kerzner International including general manager of the award-winning One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives.
“[Killinger] has been an extraordinary addition to the Kerzner International Executive Team and I am so pleased with what he has accomplished for Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort,” said Leibman. “[He] has incredible passion and commitment to both our guests and our colleagues and I look forward to seeing the resort continue to thrive under his leadership.”
