One&Only Resorts has appointed Guenter Gebhard as the new general manager for One&Only Hayman Island, ahead of the opening of the resort in April 2014.

In the position, Guenter will be responsible for the entire operation of Hayman Island, its strategic development, as well as the successful integration into the One&Only portfolio. 

As the collection’s first resort in Australia, his role will be key in strengthening the brand in the region.

“I am thrilled to have Guenter join One&Only Resorts at this exciting time of growth for the company,” commented Mark DeCocinis, chief operating officer, One&Only Resorts. 

“Our first property in Australia is extremely important to us and he is the perfect fit for this crucial role due to his career achievements in developing passionate people to deliver service excellence.

“I look forward to working with Guenter as we continue to develop the One&Only Hayman Island experience and set a new level of expectation in the ultra-luxury sector.”

Gebhard joins One&Only with over 20 years in the hospitality segment, having joined Kerzner International in 2011 as vice president of food and beverage at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai. 

He was later promoted to the role of resort manager at Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort in Morocco. 

At Mazagan, Guenter successfully oversaw all operational divisions within the resort including 1,400 team members, almost 500 rooms, 67 residential villas and the number one casino in North Africa and Europe.