Moon World Resorts has announced the appointment of James & Cranwell, a London and Dubai based luxury hospitality advisory and executive search firm, as its strategic advisor for food and beverage, retail, hotel strategy, and partnerships across its MOON Smart City developments worldwide. This long-term engagement is set to provide specialist strategic and commercial guidance, supporting the evolution of MOON's luxury hospitality offering, F&B and retail strategy, hotel partnerships, and wider collaborations. Additionally, James & Cranwell will serve as MOON's exclusive executive search partner for senior leadership appointments, leveraging its advisory expertise, global network, and access to world-class executive talent.
The partnership is particularly significant given the scale and ambition of MOON's developments. Each MOON is conceived as a Building of Global Significance, anchored by the world's largest true sphere and situated within a 556-acre masterplan that integrates hospitality, entertainment, longevity and wellbeing, education and environment, technology, attractions, luxury residences, and AAA commercial real estate. With plans to rise in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and Africa, MOON aims to redefine hospitality and entertainment at the intersection of innovation and human experience, positioning itself in a unique 'Category of One'.
James & Cranwell brings over a decade of experience elevating luxury through exceptional talent and timeless connections, working exclusively within the highest tiers of hospitality, lifestyle, fashion, and leisure. With reach spanning the USA, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, the firm's exclusive client list includes celebrated names such as Casa Cipriani, Maybourne, Six Senses, The h.wood Group, One&Only, Starr Restaurants, and Rosewood. This expertise will be crucial in leading executive search for MOON's senior leadership and operational teams, advising on F&B strategy, concept development, and partner selection, while also crafting collaborations with lifestyle and entertainment leaders, high-end fashion houses, and exclusive members clubs across all MOON regional licenses.
Sandra G. Matthews, Co-Founder and President of Moon World Resorts, emphasized the value of the partnership: "James & Cranwell offer MOON access to a network built over a decade at the highest tiers of luxury hospitality, food & beverage, and lifestyle. From identifying leadership talent to defining MOON's culture, to shaping the complex F&B program and partnerships, their discretion, precision, and deep global relationships will position MOON as the definitive integrated leader it will become." Daniel Follett, Partner at James & Cranwell, added: "MOON represents an extraordinary world-first vision, pushing the boundaries of imagination and what's possible within global hospitality. Our role is to bring specialist market insight, operational perspective, and access to world-class partnerships and leadership talent to help translate such vision into an exceptional luxury destination, conceived at an unprecedented scale."
The appointment underscores Moon World Resorts' commitment to delivering a truly iconic and innovative hospitality experience. By aligning with a firm that has deep roots in luxury and a global network, MOON is positioning itself to attract the best talent and partnerships needed to bring its visionary concept to life. As the world watches, the collaboration between Moon World Resorts and James & Cranwell will be pivotal in shaping the future of luxury hospitality and entertainment on a global scale.
