Dubai Holding enhances board structure at Jumeirah Group

Jumeirah's board structure now comprises an independent non-executive chairman, two non-executive directors and two executive directors. These appointments become effective from September 1, 2012.

Stephen Murphy, former Group CEO, Virgin Group, has been appointed Non-Executive Chairman. Other Board Members include: Sir David Michels, former Group Chief Executive of Hilton Group; Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer, flydubai; Fadel Al Ali, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Holding; and Gerald Lawless. Gerald Lawless has now been named President and Group CEO allowing him to take on a more focused executive management role at this important stage of Jumeirah's international growth strategy.

Ahmad Bin Byat, CEO of Dubai Holding, said: "The new structure is in line with Dubai Holding's strategic objectives implemented to further strengthen corporate governance at our companies as per international best practice.

"It is a great pleasure to welcome Stephen Murphy onto the Board as Non-Executive Chairman. I am confident that his solid track record of building businesses with a global brand footprint will enable him to play a pivotal role in the exciting next stage of Jumeirah's growth story.

"Jumeirah will immensely benefit from the rich experience and strong capability of the Board to capitalise on market opportunities under the leadership of Gerald Lawless, who has been instrumental in making Jumeirah the global success story it is today."

From its origins in Dubai in 1997 to its presence today in twelve countries around the world, Jumeirah has become synonymous with luxury hospitality. Over the last two years, the company has more than doubled the number of hotels it has under management, with recent openings including Jumeirah Grand Hotel Via Veneto in Rome, Pera Palace Jumeirah in Istanbul, Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa in Mallorca, Spain, and Jumeirah Creekside in Dubai. In the coming months the company expects to launch Jumeirah Bilgah Beach Hotel in Baku, Azerbaijan, and Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa in Kuwait.

In June 2012, Dubai Holding established board of directors for Dubai Properties Group and TECOM Investments.