Atlantis Resorts, a luxury hospitality firm based in Dubai, has a new President with the appointment of Paul Baker, who will oversee the region’s first entertainment destination, Atlantis, the Palm and the world’s most ultra-luxury experiential resort, Atlantis the Royal. 

In a press statement, Atlantis Resorts says that Baker will also oversee Atlantis Sanya in China, in due course.

The statement adds that Baker will lead all operations, strategic direction, management and continued growth of Atlantis Dubai and directly report to Philippe Zuber, CEO of Kerzner International in his new role. 

This includes additional responsibilities of all administrative, commercial, retail, food and beverage, banqueting and events, marine and waterpark, and recreational services across the destination.

The statement adds that with nearly 20 years of international experience, Baker brings an abundance of knowledge and expertise to Atlantis Resorts. 

It says that his career in hospitality and entertainment, including key markets such as Las Vegas in the United States, Malaysia and Macau, China, is a testament to his leadership skills. 

Atlantis group says that most recently Baker served as President of Grand Lisboa Palace in Macau, managing the successful opening of the 1,892-room integrated resort despite significant challenges. 

The statement adds that prior to joining Grand Lisboa Palace, Baker held the title of Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Genting Malaysia Berhad, the largest integrated luxury resort in the world, consisting of 10,000 hotel rooms, 200 food and beverage outlets, a theme park, retail space and a golf course.

Philippe Zuber

“Paul’s appointment sets an exciting tone for the future for Atlantis Resorts, as we continue to build on the exceptional success of our iconic and industry-leading brand that has captured the imagination of so many,” says Philippe Zuber, CEO of Kerzner International. 

“Atlantis is an incredible success story, it continues to be the leading resort in its destination, and is legendary around the world. I am delighted to welcome Paul to become part of the Kerzner legacy, he brings a wealth of experience and acumen, and I trust that under his expert guidance and leadership, Atlantis will reach even greater heights, continually surpassing our guests’ expectations and creating moments that are extraordinary,” he adds.

The statement adds that Baker joins Atlantis at a key time for the brand. After a fantastic first year, Atlantis the Royal grows from strength to strength, and Atlantis, the Palm continues to break records, achieving the highest year-to-date revenue in resort history for the first half of 2024. 

It says that Baker’s extensive knowledge of managing and leading teams in diverse cultural and operational landscapes uniquely positions him to drive the Atlantis brand forward.

Baker graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy and served in the United States Army, 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. 

He later received his Master of Business Administration from Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts, the statement adds.