Moon World Resorts, the developer behind the ambitious MOON Smart City masterplans, 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 its global portfolio. The long-term engagement is set to guide the evolution of MOON's luxury hospitality offerings and support the company's groundbreaking 'Category of One' developments, which aim to redefine hospitality and entertainment on an unprecedented scale.
James & Cranwell, with over a decade of experience in the highest tiers of hospitality, lifestyle, fashion, and leisure, will provide specialist strategic and commercial guidance. The firm will lead executive search for MOON's senior leadership and operational teams, advise on F&B strategy, concept development, and partner selection, and craft collaborations with lifestyle and entertainment leaders, high-end fashion houses, and exclusive members clubs across all worldwide MOON Regional Licenses. Their exclusive client list includes renowned names such as Casa Cipriani, Maybourne, Six Senses, The h.wood Group, One&Only, Starr Restaurants, and Rosewood.
The partnership is strategically aligned with MOON's vision of creating 'Buildings of Global Significance'—each development anchored by the world's largest true sphere within a 556-acre masterplan that integrates hospitality, entertainment, longevity and wellbeing, education and environment, technology, attractions, luxury residences, and AAA commercial real estate. MOON will rise across North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and Africa, positioning itself as the most anticipated and iconic Smart City Masterplan development on Earth.
Sandra G. Matthews, Co-Founder and President of Moon World Resorts, highlighted the importance of the partnership: '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, expressed enthusiasm: 'MOON represents an extraordinary world-first vision, pushing the boundaries of imagination and what's possible within global hospitality. Our role is to bring specialist market insight, operational perspective and access to world-class partnerships and leadership talent to help translate such vision into an exceptional luxury destination, conceived at an unprecedented scale.'
This appointment signals Moon World Resorts' commitment to leveraging top-tier expertise to ensure its developments meet the highest standards of luxury and innovation. By partnering with James & Cranwell, MOON aims to attract world-class talent and forge partnerships that will elevate its hospitality and entertainment offerings, ultimately delivering a unique experience that blends technology, luxury, and human aspiration.
