Marco Polo Hotels has announced the commencement of Dr. Jennifer Cronin as President for Marco Polo Hotels, succeeding Mr. Eric Waldburger who has retired.
In his role as President, Mr. Waldburger led the company for almost four years through one of its most active periods in over a decade with the openings of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, Marco Polo Changzhou and the launch of the new luxury brand, Niccolo by Marco Polo in Chengdu, China. At the same time, he prepared the three Hong Kong hotels for the challenging years ahead, spear-heading the amalgamation of operations at the three properties.
Dr. Cronin, who had been Vice President of Sales & Marketing for the hotel group has assumed the position of President Designate for the past six months, providing a smooth transition for the leadership role. Dr. Cronin stated: “I am very honoured to have been given this opportunity to take Marco Polo Hotels to a new level as a management company, but also strengthening our position as an owner-operator. Eric has helped to create a new thinking culture within our organisation and I am excited about the next chapter for our company and the future ahead.”
“Our new luxury brand has proven to be a resounding branding and business success in just nine months since the opening of the first Niccolo Hotel in Chengdu, China,” continued Dr. Cronin. “It augurs well for our new Hong Kong flagship in the iconic conservation project: The Murray Building, scheduled to open on 31 October, 2017. The search has already begun for the Managing Director of this landmark chic hotel that will surely change the luxury hotel landscape in Hong Kong and beyond. At the same time, our new succession plans and talent management strategies will support the openings of Niccolo hotels in Chongqing, Changsha and Suzhou in the next three years. It is truly an exciting time to take over the helm of this great Asian brand.”
An Australian, Dr. Cronin has an extensive career and successful track record in hotels and hospitality throughout Asia and Australia in senior marketing and operational roles, including Hyatt International, Ritz Carlton and Dusit International. Dr. Cronin is married and is currently based in Hong Kong. She will be officially conferred with the Doctorate of Philosophy in the field of Crisis Leadership at Bond University on 13 February, 2016.
