Marc Dardenne joins Jumeirah Group as group chief operating officer

06 September 2016 by Neil Gerrard

Dubai-based luxury hotel firm Jumeirah Group has appointed Marc Dardenne as its group chief operating officer.

Dardenne will oversee Jumeirah Group operations across its international portfolio, which includes the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

He has a long and established career as a hotelier, having worked internationally for more than 30 years. He joins Jumeirah Group from Patina Hotels and Resorts in Singapore where he was CEO.

Previously, Dardenne was based in Dubai and most recently worked as CEO at Emaar Hotel and Resorts.

Stefan Leser, Jumeirah Group CEO, said: "Marc brings unique insight, global expertise and a passion for hospitality that is as inspiring as it is impressive. Jumeirah Group has a strong portfolio of landmark properties and Marc's commitment to excellence reflects our own focus to deliver the very best in guest experiences. His contribution to the group will further enhance our management team and Marc will greatly contribute to Jumeirah's continued evolution as a world-leading hospitality brand."

Dardenne said: "I am delighted to return to Dubai with Jumeirah Group. It is a unique hospitality brand with an enviable reputation for luxury and a culture of innovation and bold thinking. I am looking forward to bringing my experience to Jumeirah and working in such a highly creative hospitality environment."

A Belgian national, Dardenne has lived and worked in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East and is fluent in French, English and German.

Jumeirah Group operates a portfolio of hotels and resorts including the flagship Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts manages properties in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Kuwait in the Middle East; Baku, Bodrum, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London, Mallorca (Spain); the Maldives and Shanghai in Asia. It also runs the luxury serviced residences brand Jumeirah Living with properties in London and Dubai; the new contemporary lifestyle hotel brand Venu; the wellness brand Talise; Jumeirah Restaurant Group Dubai; Wild Wadi Waterpark; The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management; and Sirius, its global loyalty programme. Future openings include luxury and lifestyle hotels in China, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Mauritius, Oman, Russia and the UAE.

Jumeirah Carlton Tower appoints director of operations >>

Global Restaurant Awards launch in Dubai >>

New Year's Eve hotel fire in Dubai due to electrical fault >>

Looking for a job? See all the current hotel vacancies available with The CatererFONT >>