"A LIFETIME PASSION FOR HOSPITALITY
AND
THE EXPERTISE OF A SEASONED INDUSTRY EXECUTIVE"
Simon Cooper
simon@simoncooperassociates.com
Simon Cooper & Associates
In 2015 Simon created "Simon Cooper & Associates" to embark on a new voyage to share his knowledge, experience and enthusiasm. Simon and his team focus on:
Timeless Leadership
Successful Team Building
Global Team Development
International Expansion
Crisis Leadership.
Leadership Journey
2010-2015 President & Managing Director, Marriott Asia Pacific
Simon spent 17 years at Marriott Hotels & Resorts and is widely known as an influential leader in the hospitality industry. His leadership was instrumental in the globalization of Marriott’s operations ushering in an exciting chapter of growth.
Since taking the helm in 2010, Simon led the operating performance and growth of Asia Pacific which included more than 173 properties and 70 hotels under construction represented by The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Marriott, Renaissance, Courtyard and Marriott Executive Apartments brands.
2000-2010 President & Chief Operating Officer, Ritz Carlton
Prior to his role in Asia Pacific, Simon was president and Chief Operating Officer for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.
Under his leadership, the brand realized significant growth and initiated new products: The Ritz Carlton Residences and The Ritz Carlton Reserve.
Also during this period of time, Ritz Carlton earned the highest accolades from organizations such as The Luxury Institute and J. D Power and Associates. In 2009, Ritz-Carlton won the World Saver Award from CondeNast for its Community Footprints program.
1998-2000 President, Marriott Lodging Canada
Simon joined Marriott International in 1998 as President of Marriott Lodging Canada. Prior to joining Marriott, Simon served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Delta Hotels and Resorts, and as Executive Vice President of OMNI Hotels USA.
Simon began his hospitality career when he immigrated to Canada in 1972 and worked for Canadian Pacific Hotels and Resorts.
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Current Active Projects
Board Member, Benchmark Hotels
He serves on the Board of Directors at Benchmark Hotels.
Lead Consultant, 1000 North
He is lead consultant on 1000 North a restaurant in Jupiter Florida. (Lead investor Michael Jordan).
Lead Consultant, Ownership Entity of Peninsula Papagayo
Since 2016, his primary engagement has been acting as lead consultant for the ownership entity of Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica. Peninsula Papagayo is a 1400-acre resort development in Guanacaste anchored by a Four Seasons Resort.
Senior Consultant, Gencom
He is a senior consultant at Gencom. A Miami based development company that owns and operates multiple luxury hotels under brands like Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Andaz, etc.
Consultant, Cabot Links
He is consulting for Cabot Links a Canadian company developing a destination resort in Saint Lucia.
Industry,Public Service and Awards
Simon has been a very active leader in industry and public service. He recently taught an MBA course in Global Leadership at the Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland.
He has also made several leadership presentations to groups ranging from Charles Schwab to the Government of Jamaica.
Among his many professional honors, Mr. Cooper has served as
Chairman of the Board of Governors for the University of Guelph,
Trustee of the Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Motel Association,
Director of the Canadian Tourism Commission.
He served on the Board of Directors of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
In 2004, he was appointed to the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Canada Institute Advisory Board.
From 2006 to 2010, Simon served on the Board of First Horizon National (First Tennessee Bank).
In 2008, Mr. Cooper was named “Corporate Hotelier of the World” by HOTELS magazine. The award determined by votes casted by more than 60,000 readers in 170 countries.
He is also a Board member of Lucky Iron Fish. The Lucky Iron Fish is a growing social enterprise with a mission to improve the health of users in an impactful way (www.luckyironfish.com).
Education and Personal
He earned an MBA from the University of Toronto and received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Guelph University.
Born in England, but a citizen of Canada, Mr. Cooper divides his time between the Eastern Shore of Maryland and his home in the Luberon Valley in Provence.
About
PRESS RELEASES
simon@simoncooperassociates.com