Jumeirah Group’s CEO Gerald Lawless was presented with a lifetime achievement award by the China Hotel Investment Conference (CHIC).
The CHIC is presented to distinguished individuals for outstanding contribution to the tourism and hospitality industry.
The recipients are recognised for their work and accomplishments that have significantly influenced the industry.
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Commenting on the award, Lawless said: “I am proud to have received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the China Hotel Investment Conference.
“I dedicate it to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, whose vision and support have made the success of Jumeirah possible.
“I also dedicate it to all colleagues who work so well to develop the company internationally and especially in China, where we already have a hotel in Shanghai and eight more projects under construction.”
In October last year, Jumeirah Group announced three more luxury hotels and resorts under development across China, to open over the next six years.
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The firm signed management agreements for Jumeirah Haikou Resort, on a private island in Hainan, Jumeirah Wuhan in a city centre location near Hankou, and Jumeirah Nanjing in the new Hexi business district.
Both properties in Wuhan and Haikou are owned by subsidiaries of Yuexiu Group, a Guangzhou-based property development company, and the addition of all three brings Jumeirah's China pipeline up to eight properties.
Senior industry executives from across the region together with the CHIC Advisory Board, comprising members from the hospitality industry and the organising committee were involved in the nomination and selection process, and the decision was unanimous.
Manav Thadani, chairman, HVS Asia Pacific, said: “As the world acknowledges it, Mr Lawless is one of the foremost leaders in the luxury hotel segment.
“Perhaps no other has been as instrumental in changing the face of hotels in the Middle East, as well as around the world, while building a brand that is meant to stand the test of time.
“It is our honour to confer Mr Lawless this award, which serves as further testament to his exceptional leadership, vision and contribution to develop The Jumeirah Group as one of the world’s leading luxury hotel chains.”
Lawless, an Irish national, has helped establish Jumeirah as an international luxury hotel brand since he joined in 1997 following a 23-year long career with Forte Hotels, for which he set up the firm’s Middle East operations.
Jumeirah Group now includes 23 hotels and residences in Europe, Middle East and Asia, a stand-alone restaurant division, Jumeirah Restaurant Group Dubai, an international wellness brand, Talise, and the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management.
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May 19, 2015 , Lebanon
Congratulations Gerald! This award surely reflects your passion for quality and targeted strategic thinking in developing the hospitality sector and which we all have witnessed, throughout the years. All of us are blessed with a nation like the United Arab Emirates that nurtures high-talented pr...