Outrigger Hotels and Resorts announced Thursday that it has named Jeff Wagoner to be its new President and CEO.
Wagoner will take over on April 26 and replace KSL Resorts co-founder and CEO Scott Dalecio, who has been serving as Outrigger’s interim CEO since early 2017. Dalecio has been appointed Executive Chairman of Outrigger’s global hospitality brand.
“Jeff is a proven leader with the operational strength and industry intelligence to successfully steer Outrigger Hotels and Resorts as we further expand the global footprint of this iconic hospitality brand,” Dalecio was quoted in a statement, as saying.
KSL Resorts announced in November 2016 that it planned to buy the family-owned Outrigger that was started about 70 years ago by Roy and Estelle Kelly. David Carey, who led Outrigger for more than 30 years and is married to the former Kathy Kelly, granddaughter of Outrigger’s founders, stepped down as President and CEO to serve on the company’s advisory board. Dalecio took over for Carey with daily oversight of Outrigger
Wagoner, who has leadership experience in both domestic and international markets, previously served as Executive Vice President of Hotel Operations for Trump Hotels as well as several senior level positions within the Wyndham Hotel Group, including President of Wyndham Hotel Group Management, Executive Vice President of Global Brand Services, and President of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts.
Outrigger’s portfolio currently includes nine beachfront resorts in Hawaii, Fiji, Thailand, Guam, Mauritius and the Maldives – alongside 27 owned and/or managed hotels, resorts and vacation condominiums.
“It’s a tremendous time of reinvestment and growth for Outrigger Hotels and Resorts and I am honoured for the opportunity to be a part of this new chapter,” Wagoner said.
“Building on Outrigger’s 70 years of hospitality, I look forward to enhancing and growing our portfolio while upholding the authenticity and integrity of this iconic brand.”
The appointment comes a month after Outrigger agreed to sell six properties in its portfolio, including its resort in the Maldives, to Thailand-based developer Singha Estate. The deal includes 100 percent ownership of Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort, Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort, Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort, Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort and Castaway Island.
However, management under Outrigger Hotels and Resorts will continue.
The private island of Konotta is located 340 kilometres to the south of capital Male, and is conveniently accessible via a 55-minute flight from the main Velana International Airport to Kaadedhdhoo Airport followed by a scenic 30-minute journey on a luxurious private yacht.
The award-winning Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort offers guests the largest average villa sizes in the Maldives. Comprising 29 Beach Pool Villas, 21 Ocean Pool Villas, two Lagoon Pool Villas and the three-bedroom Grand Konotta Villa, the resort offers a complete sense of privacy and intimate luxury.
Captivate your senses with innovative dining concepts, the Navasana Spa, and high-end facilities. In between your diving lesson and massage, indulge in sumptuous Maldivian cuisine or a glass of white Burgundy in one of the resort’s restaurants or the comfort of your villa. As the sun sets, sample Japanese single malts at the Teppan bar while drinking in endless ocean views.