Marc Dardenne, CEO of Emaar Hospitality - the developer of projects including Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, and the Armani Hotel Dubai - is leaving the company.

Emaar did not give a reason for Dardenne’s departure. He had been with the company for four years.

The group has total assets of development value $1 billion and owns a portfolio of assets such as hotels, golf resorts and recreation clubs.

During his tenure, Dardenne was also involved in the development of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, and the launch of Armani Hotel Dubai, which played host to the World Travel Awards in May.

He also played a key role in launching “The Address” chain of hotels, which had picked up a number of awards at last month’s World Travel Awards 2011 Middle East Ceremony.

Emaar is currently conducting a strategic review of its foreign operations, which may lead to a greater focus on its hospitality and retail resort business.