Gebhard Rainer appointed CEO of Sandals Resorts International

Industry veteran and former executive vice president of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Gebhard F. Rainer has been appointed chief executive officer of the Gordon 'Butch' Stewart-chaired Sandals Resorts International.

Heir-apparent Adam Stewart who has been executive director for 12 years will continue to serve as deputy chair.

Stewart will also continue his leadership role in the family’s extensive hospitality, media, automotive and appliance business holdings.

Rainer’s appointment was announced by ‘Butch’ Stewart Wednesday afternoon.

According to Sandals, Rainer’s appointment follows an extensive search in concert with the deputy chairman, designed to accelerate the strategic growth of the award-winning luxury all-inclusive brands under the Sandals group.

“Sandals Resorts has a legacy of pioneering and implementing industry innovations and we are committed to not only bolstering our leadership position in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean but also to broaden our horizons with further growth of the luxury all-inclusive concept beyond the region we call home,” the chairman said.

According to him, Rainer’s presence consolidates his son’s role, allowing him to dedicate more time to forward initiatives as the company prepares for a bold strategy forward.

“For 22 consecutive years, Sandals Resorts has proudly earned the distinction of being voted the World’s Best All-Inclusive Resorts, for which we are immensely proud. To be the best, you must have a team that is the best and for more than 30 years we have cultivated a staff across the Caribbean - from gardeners and housekeepers to chefs and managers -  who are the finest in the industry. My son, Adam, has played a huge role as CEO of SRI, exceeding expectations over the past 12 years,” said the chairman. 

Rainer, an accomplished and highly-regarded hospitality executive with global operations and international finance experience, will reporting directly to the chairman and deputy chairman.

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