Kerzner Appoints New President and Chief Operating Officer for One&Only Resorts

Kerzner International has appointed Mark DeCocinis as President and Chief Operating Officer for One&Only Resorts effective 1 August 2013.

Stephan Killinger has been appointed as President of Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort, effective 1 July 2013.

As President and Chief Operating Officer, One&Only Resorts, Mark DeCocinis will lead the strategic development of the One&Only brand, including oversight of all future developments and the operational success of all existing One&Only resorts.

One&Only recently signed three new resort projects: One&Only Sanya, One&Only Montenegro and One&Only Jeddah.

“I am thrilled to have Mark join One&Only Resorts at this exciting time of growth for the company,” said Alan Leibman, CEO, Kerzner International. “He is the perfect fit for this crucial role as his career achievements in developing passionate people to deliver service excellence reflect our own One&Only core values. I look forward to working with Mark as we continue to build the brand worldwide and open resorts which will set a new level of expectation in the ultra-luxury sector.”

Mr. DeCocinis joins One&Only with over 25 years in the luxury hospitality segment, having held both operational and corporate senior leadership positions. Most recently he was with Shangri-La International Hotel Management, Limited where, in his capacity of Executive Vice President, he oversaw the operations of properties in South Asia, Middle East, Africa, Europe, Americas, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan.

Mr. DeCocinis was also responsible for the overall leadership of the group's growth outside of China/Asia and most recently opened three new hotels in Toronto, Mumbai and Istanbul, with six more scheduled to open in 2013.

Mr. DeCocinis began his career at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, where he held various leadership positions based in the US and Asia for over two decades. His tenure with Ritz-Carlton included General Manager and Regional roles in Aspen, San Francisco and Shanghai respectively. In his last role as Regional Vice President, Asia Pacific, he was responsible for the overall leadership of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in Asia Pacific, not only driving the business, but also leading development projects and launching new brands for the company.

Mr. DeCocinis has been honoured with multiple awards for his work within China, including the Friendship Award by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in recognition of his contribution to China's growth and development in business, academics, science, technology, hospitality by the People’s Republic of China and The Magnolia Gold Award from The Shanghai Municipal Government as one of 10 Top Business Leaders for outstanding contribution to Shanghai business development by the Mayor of Shanghai.

Stephan Killinger has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry and has worked in England, USA, Bahamas, Philippines, Australia, Bali, Switzerland, Egypt and Germany. He has held leadership positions for a number of luxury hotel brands, including Four Seasons, The Peninsula Hotels, and Ritz-Carlton. His career also includes prior positions within Kerzner International including General Manager of One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives.

“Stephan has been an extraordinary addition to the Kerzner International Executive Team and I am so pleased with what he has accomplished for Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort,” said Alan Leibman. “Stephan has incredible passion and commitment to both our guests and our colleagues and I look forward to seeing the resort continue to thrive under his leadership.”