New President for the new Marco Polo Hotels
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.
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.
About Wharf Hotels
The Spirit of Discovery | Emanating the spirit of discovery, Wharf Hotels, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Wharf (Holdings) Ltd, is based in Hong Kong and currently operates 16 owned or managed hotels under Niccolo or Marco Polo Hotels in Hong Kong, China and the Philippines. Niccolo Hotels was added to the group's portfolio in 2015 as the new luxury collection, positioning the brand as contemporary urban chic. The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel, opened in January 2018 as the brand's flagship hotel, with 2 new Niccolo hotels currently under development in China following successful openings in Chengdu and Chongqing. Marco Polo's deluxe hotels in established locations maintain their ethos to explore, discover and experience a destination, drawing on the philosophies of its namesake, Marco Polo: an adventurer, a traveller, an entrepreneur and a connoisseur of culture - just as Marco Polo's modern travellers are today. Further details are available at wharfhotels.com.
About Ultratravel Collection
Ultratravel Collection brings together hotels of distinction for the discerning traveller. Its membership is reserved for the very best hotels and resorts in the world - genuinely luxurious and iconic properties that deliver the finest service and personalised guest experiences. Member hotels share an integrated global platform for guest recognition and loyalty rewards, the DISCOVERY programme from partner Global Hotel Alliance, as well as beneficial relationship with the multi-media brand Ultratravel, the other founding partner of Ultratravel Collection. For more information visitultratravelcollection.com.