Stephen Darling

Stephen took on the Group’s expansion into north America with gusto. Through his great commitment, drive and passion, he strategically networked in the US, Canada and Mexico; and delivered six hotel management agreement in four years-some now delayed due to the US financial crisis. Working closely with investors, lawyers, and developers from coast to coast, he gained a reputation for the company as a capable and pragmatic deal-maker. Most significantly, he put together a highly complex deal in Manhattan that involved multi-national partners and social players. Stephen’s clear vision, relationship with key players and understanding of the projects and tremendous advantages that have earned him a great reputation for dynamic integrity in his community and further afield. Laterally, he successfully opened Shangri-La’s first hotel in the Western World and created the Northe American Tigers programme as a method of translating the style and culture of Asian hospitality into the west. Stephen is a passionate hotelier and well respected in the industry it was my pleasure to work with him- and his assistance in introducing Shangri-La in North America was a great success!