Marriott names Craig S Smith as MD of Asia Pacific operations

MUMBAI: Hospitality major Marriott International Asia Pacific (APAC) today said Craig S Smith will succeed Simon F Cooper, President and Managing Director of Asia Pacific, who is set to retire at the end of the month.

Prior to this assignment, Smith was the President of Marriott International Caribbean and Latin America (CALA).

"During an impressive and well-travelled career, Cooper has been widely known as an influential leader in the hospitality industry," Marriott International President and Chief Executive Officer Arne Sorenson said.

Cooper's leadership has been instrumental in the globalisation of Marriott's operations ushering in an exciting chapter of growth at the company, he added.

By the end of the year, Marriott International plans to surpass one million rooms worldwide.

Within the next four years, the company also expects to more than double its size in Asia.

In the region, Marriott International is represented by nine lodging brands, including BVLGARI, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Marriott, Renaissance, Autograph, Courtyard, Fairfield and Marriott Executive Apartments.