Kerzner International promotes trio in 'strategic team restructure'

Kerzner International has confirmed a series of senior appointments within its UK and northern Europe commercial division following the departure of regional director of sales and marketing Craig Jeffs.

Lize Smit has been promoted from account director to director of commercial for the UK and northern Europe.

She has more than eight years of experience across the wider Kerzner portfolio, including six years as associate director of sales at One&Only Cape Town.

Kerzner said Smit’s “proven track record in building high-value partnerships and influencing key stakeholders” had been “instrumental in strengthening the presence of the Kerzner portfolio across the region”.

Jonathan Bellamy, who joined the company from Elegant Resorts in 2024, has also been promoted to account director for the UK and northern Europe as he continues to foster “trusted relationships” with key tour operator partners.

The announcements follow the promotion of Olivia Knight to account director for the UK and northern Europe in June 2025, which Kerzner said came as a result of her “outstanding relationship building with key partners in the market” and “proven track record of success”.

Kerzner – whose brands include One&Only Resorts, Atlantis Dubai, Siro and Rare Finds – said the “strategic restructuring” prioritised the progression of internal talent and ensured the group’s regional commercial infrastructure remained “agile, authoritative and expertly aligned with the nuances of the ultra-luxury market”.

Dorsai Khaghani, vice-president of commercial at Kerzner International, added: “The continued investment in our UK and European sales team reflects both the strength of our business and our confidence in the long-term outlook for luxury travel.

“At a time when the global landscape continues to evolve, agility, depth of expertise and strong regional leadership have never been more important.

“These appointments not only reinforce our commitment to promoting from within but also speak to the exceptional calibre of talent within the Kerzner family. Their commercial acumen, market insight and strategic leadership will be instrumental in driving our continued growth across the UK and Northern Europe.”

Recruitment is currently underway to backfill the positions previously held by Smit and Bellamy.

Jeffs left the business on April 10 after 10 years with the company.