The Landings St. Lucia has appointed international business executive Kathy Taylor interim General Manager following the departure of Caribbean hospitality veteran Kashmie Ali, who led a turnaround of fortunes at the premier Caribbean resort over the past year. Ali, who helped to bolster the resort's success in the luxury villa resort category, opted to pursue new opportunities following his one year stint which produced strong results and increased revenues.
"With the challenge he faced upon his arrival largely met, we wish him every success in his future endeavours," Taylor noted, adding that The Landings is well positioned for continued financial success thanks to the foundation built by Ali and his team.
Taylor also assumes the role of Chair of the Executive Committee and a member of the Board of Directors following the resignation of John Copeland upon whom she also showered praise for his vision and leadership. "Mr. Copeland used his considerable management and governance skills to chart a new direction for The Landings and we owe him a debt of gratitude for his service," stated Taylor.
Taylor has more than 30 years of senior level business experience primarily in global investment management where she held positions in portfolio management, marketing, sales, client service as well as communications and public relations. She retired as a Senior Managing Director from Barclays Global Investors, at the time the asset management arm of Barclays Bank and one of the largest institutional money managers in the world.
As interim General Manager, Taylor will work closely with the existing management team as well as an international search firm to recruit a world class general manager, with as strong an operational and resort management background as sales and marketing experience.
Taylor noted that the changes will not impact the day-to-day operations of the all-suite, luxury villa Caribbean resort, which was named the best hotel in St. Lucia for the second consecutive year at the 2014 World Travel Awards.
