Nicholas Clayton will take over as chief operating officer at Jumeirah

Luxury hospitality company Jumeirah Group has announced the retirement of Guy Crawford as chief executive officer.

At the same time, the group has confirmed the appointment of Nicholas Clayton as chief operating officer.

Crawford will step down in June 2012.

In his ten years with the company, he has helped build Jumeirah into one of the most successful global luxury hospitality brands, recording consistently high levels of profitable growth and outperforming the market both commercially and in terms of guest satisfaction.

In that time the company has grown into a portfolio of 20 luxury five star hotels and hotel residences with a portfolio of other profitable businesses including restaurants, spas, water parks and the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management.

Commenting on the senior management changes, executive chairman of Jumeirah Group, Gerald Lawless said: “We are immensely grateful to Guy Crawford for his tireless and energetic contribution to Jumeirah.

“He will leave behind an enduring memory of his tremendous passion for the business as well as a huge appetite for the unexpected challenge.

“We wish Guy and his family every happiness for the future.”

Chief Operating Officer

Nicholas Clayton joins Jumeirah Group from the Viceroy Hotel Group where he was president and later chief executive.

In that role he led a team of 3,500 colleagues in 15 properties to deliver the highest standards of excellence.

Previously Clayton spent 14 years with Ritz-Carlton in their businesses in the United States, Australia and finally Singapore where he was managing director of the Ritz Carlton Millenia.

He then joined Mandarin Oriental in 2001 as senior vice president operations based in Hong Kong.

He was responsible for the group’s 18 Asian and European properties and a staff of over 9,000 as well as the food and beverage and spa divisions globally.

Lawless added: “Mr Clayton comes at a time of significant expansion with the company doubling the number of hotels under management from 2011 to 2012 and now having a presence in 11 countries round the globe.

“His experience and leadership skills will help steer the company towards continued success and profitable growth in key markets.”