Jumeirah Group has announced the appointment of Ermanno Zanini to the role of Regional Vice President and General Manager of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, its flagship hotel in the United Arab Emirates.
In his new role, Zanini will oversee all aspects of the global icon’s operations, building on his background to further cement the service that Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is renowned for. He will lead and support the team in its dedication to create guest experiences, while maintaining oversight for Italy and Spain.
Zanini joined the Jumeirah family in 2019, when the renowned Capri Palace in Italy was added to the Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts portfolio. Ermanno continued in his role as General Manager for this Mediterranean gem in Anacapri – a position which he has held since 2002 – while taking on additional responsibilities for Jumeirah Group as Regional Vice President for Italy and Spain.
A native of Naples, he is a true globetrotter, with a strong passion for culinary excellence, having launched several Michelin-starred restaurants including the renowned Il Riccio restaurant and beach club as well as the two-starred L’Olivo restaurant, both located in Capri Palace Jumeirah. He is also an art and photography connoisseur who enjoys discovering new talent. During his time at Capri Palace Jumeirah, Zanini championed Contemporary Art installations throughout the hotel to create an exceptional setting.
As part of his role as RVP for Italy and Spain, he was instrumental in the successful seasonal re-opening of the Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa in Mallorca, set within a UNESCO World Heritage site. Zanini appointed Gianluca Priori as General Manager of this clifftop retreat, which boasts panoramic views of the mountains and sea. There too, the award-winning Talise Spa treatments have gained widespread recognition.
Fergus Stewart, Acting Chief Operating Officer of Jumeirah Group, says: “We’re delighted to welcome Ermanno Zanini in his newest role as Regional Vice President and General Manager of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. In his new position, he will deliver the ethos of exceptional luxury at the iconic all-suite hotel where anything is possible together with his expert team, while continuing his regional responsibilities in Spain and Italy.”
“Ermanno’s true passion for hospitality and gastronomy, and extensive expertise in the industry, will further elevate the guest experience at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah across dining service and wellness. We’re extremely excited to embark on this new journey with him,” he adds.
Commenting on his new role, Zanini says: “Luxury to the sophisticated travellers – and to me – means living a transformational and intimate experience and being able to enrich ourselves and learn from it, which is exactly what Burj Al Arab Jumeirah offers. From the moment guests walk into the hotel, they are transported to a world of unparalleled luxury where memorable connections are made and anything is possible; I couldn’t be happier to be a part of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah’s family, and to embark on this enriching and exciting journey.”
Zanini’s diverse career in hospitality began in 1993 with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, seeing him take on roles in F&B including Food & Beverage Manager at the Four Seasons Hotel Milan in 2002. In addition to holding the title of General Manager at Capri Palace, he also led the operations as Chief Commercial Officer from 2015 to 2017 for Mytha Hotel Anthology (Capri Palace’s managing entity at the time) for its collection of seven unique hotels located across Italy, Turkey, Croatia, and Spain.
