Kerzner International has appointed Mark Kirby as President of One&Only Resorts, effective 6 January 2025. The appointment brings more than 25 years of luxury hospitality leadership to the ultra-luxury brand as it embarks on an ambitious global expansion strategy.
In his new role, Kirby oversees the brand’s global portfolio spanning 14 operating resorts across Greece, Montenegro, Mexico, Mauritius, the Maldives, South Africa, Dubai, Rwanda and the United States. He reports directly to Philippe Zuber, Chief Executive Officer of Kerzner International, and is tasked with spearheading expansion into both established and emerging markets whilst enhancing One&Only’s reputation for distinctive guest experiences.
Kirby joins from Emaar Hospitality Group, where he served as Chief Operating Officer and Head of Hospitality. During his tenure, he oversaw a diverse portfolio of more than 30 hotels, residences and leisure clubs across the UAE, GCC and international markets. His leadership drove the successful development and opening of multiple properties across renowned brands including Armani Hotels & Resorts, Address Hotels + Resorts, Palace Hotels + Resorts and Vida Hotels & Resorts.
His career with Emaar began in 2014 as Hotel Manager of Armani Hotel Dubai, where he subsequently rose to General Manager. Under his leadership, the property in the Burj Khalifa secured 27 service-related accolades in 2018 alone, earning global recognition for design, architecture and exceptional dining. He later assumed the role of Area General Manager, overseeing Address Downtown, Palace Downtown, Address Fountain Views and Address Sky View before becoming Head of Hospitality.
Before joining Emaar, Kirby spent 15 years working at prestigious London hotels, developing expertise across all aspects of hospitality operations. He relocated to Dubai in 2007, taking key positions at Grosvenor House and Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa – two landmark properties that helped establish Dubai Marina as a premier hospitality destination.
Kirby holds a BA (Hons) in Hospitality Management from the University of Central England in Birmingham. His industry contributions have earned recognition as Hospitality Leader of the Year 2022 and placement among the 50 most influential hoteliers in the Middle East for consecutive years. He was named among Hozpitality’s Best 30 Hospitality and Tourism Leaders in the Middle East in 2023.
The appointment forms part of a broader restructuring at Kerzner International, establishing three distinct brand verticals under dedicated divisional heads. Paul Baker leads Atlantis Resorts, whilst Mattheos Georgiou was promoted to Senior Vice President of SIRO and Rare Finds. The structure is designed to protect and enhance each brand’s identity whilst enabling agility in responding to market changes.
“We are focused on fostering exceptional leadership that drives our brands forward,” said Zuber. “The appointment of Mark Kirby as President of One&Only is pivotal to our vision for Kerzner International’s future growth, creating a corporate structure primed for the strategic expansion of our portfolio and the ongoing pursuit of excellence.”
One&Only currently operates 14 resorts worldwide, with Kerzner planning to expand the portfolio to approximately 35 properties. The brand’s development pipeline includes 10 additional resorts, with One&Only Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana, opening in November 2025 as the first US property and the brand’s inaugural alpine destination. Further openings are planned for Half Moon Bay in Antigua, Hudson Valley in New York, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and the Yasawa Islands in Fiji.
Founded in 2002 by Solomon Kerzner, One&Only has established itself as a leader in ultra-luxury hospitality, with properties designed in harmony with nature and immersed in local culture. The brand also offers Private Homes available for purchase in Mauritius, Mexico, Montenegro, Montana, Greece and Dubai.
Beyond his professional achievements, Kirby is known for his commitment to mentorship and sustainable hospitality practices. He has implemented sustainability strategies at previous properties and maintains active involvement in educational initiatives through partnerships with Les Roches hospitality school. He also supports ChildFund International in Sri Lanka and serves as President of the Dubai Lankans Sports Club.
