Gerald Lawless

Company: Jumeirah Group
Position: Executive chairman

Biography: Gerald Lawless joined Dubai-headquartered Jumeirah Group in 1997 as chairman after 23 years with the UK-based Forte Hotels Group. After opening the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai in 1997, Lawless was involved with launching the iconic Burj al-Arab hotel. In 2007, he was appointed executive chairman of the Jumeirah Group.

Lawless is a graduate of the Shannon College of Hotel Management in Ireland. He also has an honorary degree in business administration in hospitality management from the Johnson & Wales University in the US. He is a member of the executive committee of the London-based World Travel & Tourism Council and a member of the UK’s Institute of Hospitality.

Lawless is also chairman of the board of governors of the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management in Dubai. The Jumeirah Group manages 11 hotels in Dubai, London and New York, and is likely to open more ahead of 2020.

Contact: (+971) 4 366 5000
Website: www.jumeirah.com

Updated: 18.12.12; 27.01.14