GROUP chief executive officer of Sandals Resorts International (SRI) Gebhard Rainer says he is moving on to pursue new professional and personal opportunities overseas, but will remain closely connected to the Caribbean’s leading hotel chain.

Rainer’s decision was announced to the Sandals team on Tuesday by Executive Chairman Adam Stewart who said the CEO’s departure will take effect on June 30, 2024.

Paying tribute to Rainer, Stewart said that in his over six years with Sandals he had transcended his role as “a well-regarded leader to become a trusted mentor and a cherished friend… whose wisdom, strategic mindset, and integrity is a rarity among professionals of his standing”.

“His business acumen has helped guide the organisation through some challenging business environments and unprecedented successes. From helping to navigate the complexities of a pandemic to fostering our vision of unparalleled growth, we are appreciative of his numerous contributions.

“Despite his distance, he will remain closely connected to us and will continue to lend expertise and wise counsel on some select long-term projects,” said Stewart, who is executive chairman of the Jamaica Observer.

Rainer has more than 40 years of global operations and international finance experience, most notably with Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Before joining SRI he was president and chief operating officer with global luxury brands manufacturer COACH Inc.

Contacted by the Observer, Rainer said he would miss working with Sandals across the Caribbean and would cherish the “incredible, unique, and overwhelming experience” of his time with the more than 18,000 staff members.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure and privilege to be part of this organisation, starting with the late Chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart and now Adam Stewart, the executive chairman. I will carry the memories with me always.

“Of course, I will keep visiting to experience the Caribbean hospitality as I move on to the next chapter in my life,” he told the newspaper.

As he bade farewell to Rainer, Stewart assured staff that the Sandals executive and managerial team remains strong and best-in-class, and that in the interim he would be assuming some of the duties of the departing CEO, saying, “I am honoured to walk alongside you as our incredible journey continues.

“I invite you to join me as we wish Mr Rainer continued success and happiness on his new chapter. He will be greatly missed.”