Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group expands in the U.S. with a significant new development in Miami and planned projects in Mexico and Grand Cayman, emphasizing its commitment to luxury and sustainable hospitality.
HONG KONG – Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, globally acclaimed for its exceptional hospitality and luxury residences, is enhancing its presence in the United States. At the forefront is the Group’s latest project on Miami’s prestigious Brickell Key, a landmark project that signals Mandarin Oriental’s continued commitment to the Americas. This Miami development, together with planned projects in Mexico and Grand Cayman, reflects the Group’s carefully curated approach to expansion in select markets.
Recently, Mandarin Oriental celebrated a key developmental benchmark for The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami with an exclusive event. Bringing together the Group’s celebrated chefs and culinary artisans from around the world, the event offered a captivating showcase of the amenities and legendary service that define Mandarin Oriental’s brand.
Among the distinguished chefs and mixologists in attendance was Antonio Guida, celebrated for his two-Michelin-starred restaurant Seta at Mandarin Oriental, Milan, alongside Talea at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, and the newly opened ORSINI at Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich. Richard Ekkebus, Executive Chef of the two-Michelin-starred and Green-starred Amber at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, and Dominique Bugnand, Executive Chef of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, also joined the line-up, representing Le Normandie. The evening’s mixology was led by Chanel Adams of the iconic Bamboo Bar in Bangkok and Devender Kumar from The Aubrey in Hong Kong, delivering world-class cocktails with their distinctive flair.
Chanel Adams, Richard Ekkebus, Dominique Bugnand, Gianmarco D’Alonzo, Antonio Guida, and Devender Kumar.
Laurent Kleitman, Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, commented: “Miami represents an exciting step in our expansion across the Americas, underscoring our commitment to crafting exceptional experiences and residences in key locations. Over the next decade we intend to double our worldwide portfolio, and are excited to collaborate with leading developers, designers, and artisans who share our dedication to excellence, sustainability, and community engagement.”
“We remain deeply committed to expanding our presence in North America, with a particular focus on the United States, across both our hotels and branded residences,” said Francesco Cefalu, Chief Development Officer at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. “Our global recognition and established track record in luxury hospitality provide a strong foundation as we thoughtfully grow our footprint in key markets.”
Recognised as a pioneer in hospitality and for its dedicated commitment to sustainable design and business practices as evidenced by Mandarin Oriental winning in three key categories at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, the Group will draw on its unique dual heritage to differentiate its proposition in the U.S. market: rooted in the graceful style, mastery of craft, and a service tradition that originated at The Oriental, Bangkok, almost 150 years ago, combined with the elegant design, modernity, and pioneering spirit of The Mandarin, Hong Kong, which opened in 1963.
Mandarin Oriental is doubling down on key capitals where the Group sees opportunities including Miami, while also focusing on creating culturally mindful destinations across the globe.
Appointment of New Independent Non-Executive Director
Also, Mandarin Oriental International Limited announced the appointment of Scott Woroch to its Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director, effective 4 November 2024. Scott’s appointment follows the recent appointments of Cristina Diezhandino and Fabrice Megarbane on 1 August 2024. These appointments will support Mandarin Oriental’s new strategy as a brand-led, guest-centric, global luxury hospitality group.
Scott has more than 30 years of experience in the luxury hospitality sector. He is the co-founder and managing director of Kadenwood Partners, providing advisory services on capital and strategic advisory assignments in the luxury hotel, branded residential and mixed-use property sectors.
Prior to co-founding Kadenwood Partners, he worked at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts for 15 years, holding a range of senior development positions in Asia, North America, and Europe, most recently as Executive Vice President, Worldwide Development.
The appointments of Cristina Diezhandino, Fabrice Megarbane and Scott Woroch enhance the breadth of experience and expertise within Mandarin Oriental’s governance structure. The Board now comprises 50% Independent Non-Executive Directors.
Chairman Ben Keswick commented, “I am delighted to welcome Scott to our Board. Scott’s extensive global hospitality development experience and track record will greatly enhance our Board’s capability. Scott, Cristina, and Fabrice’s recent appointments demonstrate our ambition to broaden the diversity of experience and backgrounds within our Board, which is a key element of good governance and decision-making.”
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