Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, has appointed James Mabey as senior vice president development for the Asia Pacific region.

A US national, James has 15 years’ experience in the Asia Pacific Region.

For the past two and a half years he has been working for Marco Polo Hotels and he previously held positions in TGR Asia, the Royal Thai government and the International Resort Development Group. 

In his new role Mabey will be based in Jumeirah’s Singapore office and shall be responsible for securing new management contracts for hotels and serviced apartments that meet Jumeirah’s luxury standards throughout Asia Pacific.

Robert Swade, Jumeirah Group chief officer for development & legal, said: “I am delighted to welcome James Mabey to the team. 

“Asia Pacific is central to Jumeirah’s international growth strategy and the appointment of James demonstrates our commitment to further brand expansion in the region.”

In 2011 Jumeirah opened its first luxury property in China, the 401-room Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai, which has established itself as a destination hotel for business travellers.

The company has signed five other management agreements for hotels that are under development in China.