Hong Kong SAR, China, 28 February, 2022 – Dr Jennifer Cronin, President, Wharf Hotels announced her resignation today, effective 30 April 2022, to return to Australia. As President, Dr Cronin has led the company for the past six years from its legacy Marco Polo group of hotels to the inclusion of the luxury portfolio of Niccolo Hotels. During her 8 years with the group, starting as Vice President Sales & Marketing, her remit was to strengthen the foundation of Marco Polo Hotels, and introduce Niccolo Hotels. In having completed this assignment, Wharf Hotels has now built a solid framework for future growth and is poised for expansion.
As the global travel sector prepares to emerge from its most challenging period in living history, and after more than 20 years working in Asia’s gateway cities, Dr Cronin believes that the timing is right for a seamless transition to the next chapter in Wharf Hotels Management evolution. She stated, “Together with an inspiring group of hoteliers across our group, we have punched above our weight and built an organisation by adopting best practices that are the envy of larger international hotel groups. At the heart of the organisation are our dynamic, hard-working and passionate leaders who have prepared their hotels for the post pandemic travel environment, and will most certainly be ahead of the curve. I could not be more proud of their efforts especially over the past 2 years and I am confident that the long term future is bright for travel and tourism.”
Finally, she said, “I am honoured to have had the opportunity to work with so many inspiring and forward-thinking Colleagues and Associates, supported by a parent company that believes in its people and delivering on its promises. Our DNA is a strong and proud one and will most certainly contribute to an exciting new future for Marco Polo Hotels and Niccolo Hotels. The successful opening of Niccolo Suzhou, our Beacon of the Future, in the middle of a pandemic, reinforces a bright future for all and shows that our future-proofing has paid off.”
In announcing her departure to return to Australia, she also announced her successor, an internal appointment, Mr Thomas Salg, who is currently Vice President Operations, Wharf Hotels, and has served in this role for 4 years. Dr Cronin stated, “Thomas has clearly demonstrated his commitment, leadership and professionalism since joining Marco Polo Hotels in 2013 as General Manager, Marco Polo Shenzhen, followed by Area General Manager of Marco Polo Hotels Hong Kong, before becoming Vice President Operations in 2017. We are confident that Thomas will further strengthen the group’s solid foundation, as well as strategically drive new initiatives and developments for the hotel management company, while rebuilding the hotel’s priority business streams.”
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 SAR of China, and currently operates 17 owned or managed hotels under Niccolo or Marco Polo Hotels in Hong Kong, Mainland China and the Philippines. Niccolo Hotels was added to the group’s portfolio in 2015 as the luxury collection, positioning the brand as contemporary chic. The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel, the brand's flagship hotel, was ranked as the top hotel in the city within a year of its opening. The recent opening of Niccolo Suzhou brings the brand’s collection to five hotels following the successes of Niccolo Chengdu, Chongqing and Changsha.
Marco Polo’s international deluxe hotels in established locations within Hong Kong, Mainland China and the Philippines maintain their ethos to explore, discover and experience a destination, drawing on the philosophies of their namesake, Marco Polo: an adventurer, a traveller, an entrepreneur and a connoisseur of culture – just as Marco Polo’s modern travellers are today. Wharf Hotels is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance. Further details are available at wharfhotels.com.