KOWLOON, HONG KONG—Marco Polo Hotels has appointed Jennifer Cronin as president for Marco Polo Hotels, succeeding Eric Waldburger, who has retired.
In his role as president, Waldburger led the company for nearly 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, according to the company. At the same time, he prepared and spearheaded the amalgamation of operations at three Hong Kong properties.
Cronin, who served as VP of sales and marketing for the hotel group, has assumed the position of president designate for the past six months, in an effort to provide a transition for the leadership role.
“I am very honored 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. 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,” said Cronin. “It augurs well for our new Hong Kong flagship in the iconic conservation project: The Murray Building, scheduled to open in 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.”
An Australian, 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.