Robert Cousins joins with extensive hotel operations experience in China, including for the Waldorf Astoria, Raffles and Fairmont brands.
Wharf Hotels has appointed Robert Cousins as General Manager for luxury hotel Niccolo Suzhou, which opened this April in the city's tallest landmark: Suzhou International Finance Square (IFS).
The 22-year hospitality veteran joins with extensive hotel operations experience in China, including in his most recent role opening and managing the Waldorf Astoria Xiamen, and other leadership positions at Raffles in Hainan, and Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai.
The Canadian began his hospitality career in rooms, then F&B, while working in Canada and the US.
“Robert’s arrival is timely given a recent report, compiled by The Economist Intelligence Unit, placed Suzhou among the top 10 emerging Mainland China cities with high growth potential,” said Wharf Hotels’ President, Dr. Jennifer Cronin.
“We’re confident that with the positive ranking accorded to the fabled city combined with the high-tech development of Suzhou Industrial Park, and his deep understanding of the China market, Robert will lead Niccolo Suzhou through the next phase of growth and strengthen the hotel’s leadership positioning in the competitive luxury market in China and beyond.”
The Niccolo Suzhou marks the fifth opening of Wharf Hotels' growing portfolio of Niccolo hotels. Located on the top floors of the Suzhou IFS which soars 450m into the clouds, the luxury hotel offers 233 keys and some 1,200sqm of event space, including a conservatory (135sqm) which overlooks the neighbouring Jinji Lake and the Suzhou skyline.
The city is connected to Shanghai by a 25 minutes high-speed train ride.