Following the resignation of Nicholas Clayton, Dubai-based Jumeirah Group has appointed Robert Swade as its new group COO.
Swade will be responsible for all international Jumeirah Group hotel and commercial operations, managing the company’s development team, and further expanding the brand’s portfolio.
“I am delighted that, in keeping with our guiding principle of continued development, Robert Swade has agreed to take on the role of group COO,” says Gerald Lawless, president and CEO of Jumeirah Group. “In his new position, he will be responsible for our hotel and commercial operations, ranging from our owned hotels in Dubai to our managed properties in the UAE and internationally. He will also continue to manage the development team as they work on the expansion of our portfolio of hotels. During his 10-year career with the Jumeirah Group, Robert has demonstrated energy, passion, and leadership, which has helped drive our business forward. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Nicholas Clayton for his contribution to the Jumeirah Group over the last three years.”
Swade has worked on Jumeirah’s senior executive team since 2005, when he was brought in as general counsel. Having most recently served as group CDO, he was responsible for developing a portfolio of more than 23 operating hotels—19 under development and a total of 70 under negotiation in the UAE, Middle East, Asia, and Europe for Jumeirah and its newly launched lifestyle brand Venu.
He began his career by helping his father manage their boutique hotel, located in southern England, before becoming a commercial lawyer based in London and Dubai. He additionally worked with a UK government minister at the House of Commons before moving to Dubai, where he has lived since 2000.
“Having grown up working in the hospitality business, I am delighted to be have the opportunity to further engage in the strategic management of our global businesses,” says Swade. “I look forward to leading our continued growth and expansion while delivering consistently excellent customer experiences and strong shareholder returns.”
Swade earned his bachelor of laws (LLB) in European law from Stockholm University and an additional bachelor of laws (LLB) in English and European law from the University of Essex. He graduated from the College of Law, London in 1998 with a postgraduate diploma in legal practice.
