The Cornell Baker Program in Real Estate cordially welcomes Paul Macpherson, Executive Vice President of Global Business and Real Estate Development of Kerzner International to the weekly Distinguished Speaker Series. With over two decades of hospitality development experience, Macpherson brings a unique and significant skill set to the exclusive discussion. Macpherson began his post with Kerzner International 12 months ago, and in his current position, Macpherson has the crucial role of driving the business development strategy while continuing to grow the global expansion of the company’s international brands.
Kerzner has become a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts, ultra-luxury hotels, and residences, all the while providing innovative gaming and entertainment experiences. Kerzner’s foremost brand Atlantis consists of The Palm Dubai, a 1,500-room, water-themed resort overlooking the Arabian Sea and mainland Dubai; the Atlantis Sanya Hainan in China, under development and due to open in 2016; and The Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences in Dubai. Furthermore, Kerzner operates the One&Only brand, which include nine of the top 100 rated luxury resorts in the world, located in The Bahamas, Mexico, Mauritius, the Maldives, South Africa, Dubai and Australia. One&Only currently has five resorts under development—One&Only Sanya, the first property for the brand in China, One&Only Portonovi in Montenegro, One&Only Bahrain and two resorts in Mexico: One&Only Mandarina and One&Only Santa Maria de Xala. Additionally, Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, a 500-room destination golf and casino resort in Morocco, is also operated by Kerzner.
Macpherson’s educational background consists of earning a degree from the University of British Columbia in Finance and earning the designation as a Professional Appraiser (P.App) from the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AACI). Prior to accepting his position with Kerzner International, Macpherson served as the President & Managing Director for Whitbred Hotels & Restaurants International where he implemented the 10-year international expansion strategy for Premier Inn hotels. He built that company’s international presence, as well as establishing a robust development pipeline spanning from Saudi Arabia to Indonesia. Moreover, Macpherson’s experience consists of posts with Jumeirah Group, where he held the position of Chief Development Officer, overseeing the entire development strategy of global expansion for the brand. He has also worked at Hilton International where he held the position of Vice President Development for Asia Pacific and Middle East. Macpherson has also held the position of Vice President – Asia Pacific at PKF Consulting in Hong Kong and Singapore. Prior to moving to Asia, he worked for the Royal Bank of Canada, Price Waterhouse and Air Canada.
