by Brian Major
Last updated: 11:35 AM ET, Thu June 15, 2023
Royal
Caribbean International named Bahamian businessman and real estate developer
Philip Simon president of the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island, the company’s proposed
17-acre Bahamian facility, effective July 1.
Simon
was also appointed general manager of Royal Caribbean International Bahamas,
with oversight responsibility for “every aspect of the proposed beach club.”
He
will also function as “the local chief executive collaborating with the
government of The Bahamas, regulatory agencies, businesses and fellow residents,”
Royal Caribbean International officials said in a statement.
Pending
environmental review, the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island is scheduled to
open in 2025. “We are committed to maximizing Bahamian participation and
building a development that will set new standards in environmental design and
operation in The Bahamas,” said Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean International’s
chief product innovation officer.
“Philip,
a resident and native of The Bahamas, has the experience and reputation to
ensure that,” Schneider said.
Simon
will lead an executive staff and a Nassau-based team engaged in activities ranging
from the “responsible development of the beach club” to the recruitment of Bahamians
and local businesses for the facility’s construction and operation, said Royal
Caribbean officials.
Under
the beach club’s public-private partnership model, Bahamian will be invited to
purchase up to 49 percent equity in the beach club. In his role, Simon will oversee
Royal Caribbean’s efforts to support “the development of
partners, businesses and entrepreneurs to maximize the local sector’s
opportunities” to operate the beach facility.
“I
am excited to represent both Royal Caribbean International and the country in
what will be a very unique opportunity for all sides,” said Simon. “With the
new beach club and the tremendous potential for extended growth and partnership
for years to come.”
Simon
most recently served as managing partner at PMR Bahamas Realty Ltd. and
president of The New Providence Development Company Ltd. His background also
includes a term as CEO of The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce from 2002 to 2010.
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