One of Galway’s most successful emigrants is making a career change, after years at the helm of the world’s only seven-star hotel.
Dubai Holdings has announced that Galway city man Gerald Lawless has been appointed to a new position at its corporate office where he will be responsible for tourism and hospitality.
Mr Lawless, Group President and CEO of Jumeirah Group in Dubai, makes the move after 18 years at the helm of the business.
Stefan Lesser has been appointed his successor as group chief executive of Jumeirah.
Originally from Circular Road where his family operated a dairy, Mr Lawless graduated from Shannon College of Hotel Management in 1975. He first went to Dubai three years later and devoted almost 30 years of his professional life to the city. He had a successful 23-year career with Forte Hotels, and then joined the Jumeirah Group in 1997, and built the company into one of the best-known luxury hospitality brands in the World.
As chief executive of the leading hotel groups, Mr Lawless was also responsible for its flagship hotel, the Burj Al Arab, the most luxurious hotel in the world and the only seven-star.
“It has been an immense honour and privilege to have been entrusted with setting up the Jumeirah Group, with the development of its outstanding portfolio of luxury hotels and other businesses and the promotion of the brand internationally,” said Mr Lawless.
He thanked everyone for their support over the years, including Dubai Holdings and its 14,000 colleagues. Mr Lawless said he is looking forward to a smooth transition and his new set of responsibilities with the company.
He is brother of Billy Lawless, a publican and restaurateur in Chicago who is synonymous with campaigning for immigrant rights.
As well as being a graduate of Shannon, he holds an honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management by the Johnson and Wales University in the State of Rhode Island, USA.
He is a member of the Executive Committee of the World Travel and Tourism Organisation, a member of the Aviation, Travel and Tourism council of the World Economic Forum, and fellow member of the Institute of Hospitality. In April, he will assume the chairmanship of the World Travel and Tourism Council.
He is also a Non-Executive Director at the Travelodge Board where he represents Dubai Holding, and serves as the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management. Mr Lawless was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Worldwide Hospitality Awards 2010. He was also awarded an honorary degree by NUI Galway in recent years.
As well as leading the drive to establish Burj Al Arab Jumeirah as the most luxurious hotel in the world and a symbol of Dubai as a luxury destination, Mr Lawless spearheaded the expansion of the company’s portfolio, which now includes 23 hotels in 12 destinations, stretching from London to Shanghai, with new openings planned.
Jumeirah Group operates over 100 restaurants, the Wild Wadi Waterpark and the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management; where Mr Lawless will remain Chancellor.
The post Career change for man at helm of world’s only 7-star hotel appeared first on Connacht Tribune - Galway City Tribune.
