Premier Construction News
by Amy
- Massimiliano Zanardi Named General Manager, Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai.
- Sergio Pereira Named General Manager, Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort in Morocco.
– Kerzner International Holdings (the “Company”), the owner of the iconic Atlantis Resort and Residences, ultra-luxury One&Only Resorts brand worldwide and Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, has announced the promotion of two key executives.
Massimiliano (Max) Zanardi has been named General Manager, Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai and Sergio Pereira has been named General Manager, Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort in Morocco.
Max Zanardi will lead the successful operation of Atlantis, The Palm, the flagship entertainment resort destination in Dubai. Focused on the guest experience, this key role is critical to delivering the vision of Kerzner International – Amazing Experiences and Everlasting Memories. Max will drive the entire Operation, overseeing guest rooms and suites as well as over 24 different dining experiences, and waterscape attractions including Aquaventure Waterpark and one of the largest open-air marine habitats in the world. In addition, Max will focus on talent development for the resort, building the leaders of the future and inspiring creativity and excellence within over 3,000 colleagues at Atlantis, The Palm. Max will report directly to Tim Kelly, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Atlantis, The Palm and The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences.
Atlantis, The Palm is the first entertainment resort destination in the region, located at the centre of the crescent of The Palm in Dubai. Opened in September 2008, the unique ocean-themed resort features a variety of marine and entertainment attractions, as well as 17 hectares of waterscape amusement at Aquaventure Waterpark, all within a 46-hectare site. It is home to one of the largest open-air marine habitats in the world, with over 65,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays including The Lost Chambers Aquarium, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis. Atlantis, The Palm is also known as the culinary destination in the region with a collection of world-renowned restaurants by Michelin-star chefs including Nobu by Nobu Matsuhisa, Ronda Locatelli by Giorgio Locatelli, Bread Street Kitchen & Bar by Gordon Ramsay and Hakkasan.
Mr. Zanardi joined the Company with over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality in 2015 as General Manager, One&Only Portonovi in Montenegro. He led the pre-opening planning and operational infrastructure, as well as developing the overall guest experience for the resort. In 2017, Max moved to Morocco as Managing Director for Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, where he elevated the destination resort to new levels of guest experience, colleague engagement and profitability.
Prior to joining Kerzner, Max was most recently with Ritz Carlton in a variety of leadership roles, spanning several countries, including Turkey, Portugal, Ireland and Spain, securing international recognition for his resorts. In addition to his operational expertise, he has successfully opened 10 resorts, spearheaded ownership transition and developed new business initiatives and operations standards. Max is fluent in six languages and is a leader in Team collaboration.
Sergio Pereira has been promoted to General Manager of Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, where he will be responsible for the overall Operation and strategic development of the award-winning destination resort as well as leading the Mazagan Team to continue to create unrivalled guest experiences, and further the development of colleagues to be the leaders of the future.
Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort is a diverse entertainment destination resort, celebrating Morocco, a land of rich culture and tradition. With a moderate year-round climate, guests can enjoy 7 kilometres of beach, endless sports and adventure, including an award-winning par-72, 18-hole golf course designed for players of all skill levels, boasting stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The resort also has 15 dining experiences, innovative casino and night club and a world-class spa.
Joining Kerzner International in 2017 as Resort Manager, Mazagan, Sergio was instrumental in successfully launching the iconic Buddha Bar Beach Club at the resort, as well as introducing the new George Restaurant at the heart of the Club House at the Golf Course. He has made impactful contributions to the resort achieving the best guest satisfaction scores, as well as the highest revenue and REVPAR to date in 2018. In addition, he has continued to significantly increase colleague engagement year over year.
Sergio has had an accomplished and distinguished career in hospitality for over 20 years. He has held various leadership and management roles including Director of Operations and Director of Food and Beverage across leading hospitality brands Marriott and Park Hyatt, across the Middle East, South America and the Caribbean. Sergio’s international hospitality experience and his extensive knowledge of the luxury market combined with his commitment to service excellence makes him the perfect fit for General Manager, Mazagan.
“Kerzner International remains committed to successful operation and continued innovation across our portfolio, as well as new opportunities for high-performing members of our Team. Atlantis, The Palm and Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort are incredibly important resorts to the Company and I am proud to promote such experienced executives to lead them,” commented Philippe Zuber, Chief Operating Officer, Kerzner International. “Max and Sergio have both been integral to the ongoing success of Mazagan. Looking to the future, I am confident Max’s leadership will support Tim and the Team to continue to revolutionise Atlantis as the world’s ultimate entertainment resort destination. Sergio’s proven commitment to our guest experience, colleague engagement and continued innovation is key to the success of Mazagan. Their leadership will continue to drive success for both Atlantis and Mazagan.”
