WHY IT RATES: With this appointment, the resort company will embark on a period of accelerated growth. -Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Senior Writer
Sandals Resorts International (SRI) chairman and founder, Gordon "Butch" Stewart, announced the appointment of industry veteran Gebhard F. Rainer as CEO, effective immediately.
The appointment, which follows an extensive search in concert with deputy chairman Adam Stewart, is designed to accelerate the strategic growth of the award-winning luxury all-inclusive brands under the Sandals Resorts International banner.
"Sandals Resorts has a legacy of pioneering and implementing industry innovations, and we are committed to not only bolstering our leadership position in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean but also broadening our horizons with further growth of the luxury all-inclusive concept beyond the region we call home," said Stewart.
According to Stewart, the addition of Rainer to the executive team consolidates Adam Stewart's role as deputy chairman, allowing him to dedicate more time to forward initiatives as the company prepares for a bold strategy.
"For 22 consecutive years, Sandals Resorts has proudly earned the distinction of being voted the World's Best All-Inclusive Resorts, for which we are immensely proud," said Stewart. "To be the best, you must have a team that is the best and, for more than 30 years, we have cultivated a staff across the Caribbean-from gardeners and housekeepers to chefs and managers-who are the finest in the industry. My son Adam has played a huge role as CEO of SRI, exceeding expectations over the past 12 years."
Reporting directly to the chairman and deputy chairman, Rainer is an accomplished and highly-regarded hospitality executive with global operations and international finance experience, notably with Hyatt Hotels Corporation, where he served as executive vice president and CFO.
According to Stewart, Rainer is a team player and goal-focused with a management style that matches the brand's culture and is compatible with its 'team first' approach.
"Rainer's experience complements our strengths, affording me the time to expand my role alongside the chairman as the Sandals brand moves to fast-track our development plans," said Adam Stewart. "These are exciting times and we look forward to an even brighter future."
In addition to his expanded role with SRI, Adam Stewart continues his leadership role in the family's extensive hospitality, media, automotive and appliance business holdings, including his position as deputy chairman and CEO, The ATL Group, comprising the Jamaica Observer, the country's leading daily newspaper, and ATL Appliance Traders, a chain of domestic and commercial appliance outlets combining exclusive distributorship of the world's top electronic brands and 'unbeatable' customer service throughout Jamaica.
Deeply committed to the region, he is the president of the Sandals Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization aimed at fulfilling the promise of the Caribbean community and serves as 1st vice president of the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association and as chair of the country's Tourism Linkages Council.
SOURCE: Sandals Resorts International press release.
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