Moon World Resorts has announced the appointment of James & Cranwell, a London and Dubai-based luxury hospitality advisory and executive search firm, as its strategic advisor for F&B, retail, hotel strategy, and partnerships across all MOON Smart City developments worldwide. The long-term engagement will see James & Cranwell provide specialist strategic and commercial guidance, supporting the evolution of MOON's luxury hospitality offering, F&B and retail strategy, hotel partnerships, and wider collaborations. Additionally, James & Cranwell will serve as MOON's exclusive executive search partner for senior leadership appointments, leveraging its advisory expertise, global network, and access to world-class executive talent to support MOON's groundbreaking "Category of One" developments.
For over a decade, James & Cranwell have been elevating luxury through exceptional talent and timeless connections, working exclusively within the highest tiers of hospitality, lifestyle, fashion, and leisure. With a reach spanning the USA, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, the firm brings a dedicated team of specialists offering expert advisory, representation, executive search, and network-driven matchmaking. Their exclusive client list includes some of the most celebrated names in five-star hospitality and dining, such as Casa Cipriani, Maybourne, Six Senses, The h.wood Group, One&Only, Starr Restaurants, and Rosewood.
The partnership is built for global scale. James & Cranwell will lead executive search for MOON's senior leadership and operational teams, advise on F&B strategy, concept development, and partner selection, and leverage its global network and long-standing relationships with internationally acclaimed ultra-luxury hotels, restaurant groups, operators, and chefs. Simultaneously, they will craft collaborations with lifestyle and entertainment leaders, high-end fashion houses, and exclusive members clubs across all worldwide MOON Regional Licenses.
MOON will rise in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and Africa. Each MOON development is conceived as a Building of Global Significance, anchored by the world's largest true sphere and situated within a 556-acre masterplan integrating hospitality, entertainment, longevity and wellbeing, education and environment, technology, attractions, luxury residences, and AAA commercial real estate. This scale requires the same precision, discretion, and deep luxury sector expertise that defines James & Cranwell's approach, creating a natural alignment with Moon World Resorts' vision.
"James & Cranwell offer MOON access to a network built over a decade at the highest tiers of luxury hospitality, food & beverage, and lifestyle," said Sandra G. Matthews, Co-Founder and President of Moon World Resorts. "Their discretion, precision, and deep global relationships will position MOON as the definitive integrated leader it will become." Daniel Follett, Partner at James & Cranwell, added, "MOON represents an extraordinary world-first vision, pushing the boundaries of imagination and what's possible within global hospitality. We are delighted to be partnering with Moon World Resorts and look forward to supporting its global ambitions across every stage of the project's evolution."
This strategic advisory appointment underscores MOON's commitment to redefining hospitality and entertainment at the intersection of innovation and human experience. By bringing in James & Cranwell, MOON aims to ensure that its luxury offerings and partnerships meet the highest standards, leveraging the firm's expertise to shape a unique destination. The collaboration is expected to influence the broader hospitality industry by setting new benchmarks for integrated smart city developments, combining luxury with cutting-edge technology and sustainability. As MOON progresses, the impact will be felt across global markets, offering a model for future large-scale developments.
