Moon World Resorts has announced a strategic partnership with James & Cranwell, a London and Dubai-based luxury hospitality advisory and executive search firm, to support the development of its MOON Smart City projects worldwide. The long-term engagement positions James & Cranwell as the exclusive strategic advisor across food & beverage, retail, hotel strategy, and partnerships for all MOON developments. Additionally, the firm will serve as Moon World Resorts' exclusive executive search partner for senior leadership appointments, leveraging its global network to attract world-class talent for the ambitious "Category of One" developments.
James & Cranwell, which has spent over a decade working at the highest tiers of luxury hospitality, lifestyle, fashion, and leisure, brings a dedicated team of specialists with reach across the USA, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Its client list includes renowned names such as Casa Cipriani, Maybourne, Six Senses, The h.wood Group, One&Only, Starr Restaurants, and Rosewood. The firm’s expertise in advisory, representation, and network-driven matchmaking aligns with the scale and vision of MOON, which aims to redefine hospitality and entertainment through innovation and human experience.
MOON is described as the world's largest true sphere, 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. Each MOON development is conceived as a Building of Global Significance, positioning the project as a unique and iconic addition to the global landscape. The partnership with James & Cranwell is expected to bring the precision, discretion, and deep luxury sector expertise necessary to realize this vision.
Sandra G. Matthews, Co-Founder and President of Moon World Resorts, highlighted the importance of the collaboration: "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, echoed this sentiment, noting that MOON represents an extraordinary world-first vision and that the firm is delighted to support its global ambitions.
The appointment comes as Moon World Resorts plans to expand MOON across North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and Africa. This strategic move underscores the importance of aligning with experienced advisors to navigate the complexities of large-scale luxury developments. For industry leaders, this partnership signals a trend toward specialized advisory firms playing a crucial role in shaping the future of hospitality and entertainment. The collaboration is set to influence how smart city projects integrate luxury elements, potentially setting new standards for experiential destinations worldwide.
