Jimmy Lopez takes the helm of Atlantis The Palm
Jimmy Lopez joins Atlantis The Palm as General Manager & Senior Vice President, Operations, effective November 2026.
At the helm of this flagship Atlantis Resorts property on Palm Jumeirah, he assumes responsibility for operational strategy, commercial performance and the quality of the guest experience.
His new remit also encompasses team leadership, operational optimisation and the continued development of the property.
The appointment marks the return to Dubai of an executive who has previously held several senior management positions in the emirate, including at Palazzo Versace Dubai, Jumeirah Group and The Ritz-Carlton.
Seven years with Rosewood Hotel Group and career progression at Hoiana Resort & Golf
Before joining Atlantis Resorts, Jimmy Lopez had served as Senior Vice President Hospitality & General Manager at Hoiana Resort & Golf in Vietnam since October 2025.
He joined Rosewood Hotel Group in October 2019 to support the resort’s pre-opening phase, initially as Opening Complex Director of Food & Beverage.
Over his seven years with the organisation, his responsibilities progressively expanded:
- 2019–2021: Opening Complex Director of Food & Beverage, overseeing the operational design of the various outlets, recruitment and team preparation.
- 2021–2022: Complex Director of Operations, responsible for coordinating hotel operations and the various departments.
- 2022–2024: Hotel Manager and Acting General Manager, with operational and financial responsibility for the resort.
- 2024–2025: General Manager of the resort, overseeing commercial performance, profitability and improvements to service standards.
- 2025–2026: Senior Vice President Hospitality & General Manager, with an expanded remit covering the resort’s positioning and strategy.
During this period, Jimmy Lopez notably oversaw the opening of the spa and beach club, supported sustainability initiatives and contributed to the resort securing its first Forbes Four-Star recognition.
This experience enabled him to develop expertise in managing an integrated resort encompassing multiple hospitality activities and concepts.
From Macau to Dubai: a career built in leading luxury properties
Before moving to Vietnam, Jimmy Lopez served as Multi Property Director of Food & Beverage at City of Dreams Macau between March 2018 and October 2019.
There, he was involved in opening several dining venues within Morpheus, including Michelin-starred gastronomic concepts.
His career in Dubai also includes more than three years at Palazzo Versace Dubai.
He initially served as Pre-Opening Director of Food & Beverage from December 2014 to August 2016, before becoming Executive Assistant Manager, a position he held until March 2018.
Previously, he worked with Jumeirah Group, overseeing beverage operations across several Madinat Jumeirah properties, including Mina A’Salam, Al Qasr and Dar Al Masyaf.
Between 2002 and 2004, he also held the position of Director of Restaurants at The Ritz-Carlton Dubai.
His international experience additionally includes positions with COMO Hotels and Resorts in Bangkok and Le Méridien, notably in Phuket and Toronto.
Operational expertise developed through food and beverage and integrated resorts
Jimmy Lopez’s career reflects a progressive transition from food and beverage operations to general management and strategic leadership.
Beginning in 1997 at Le Méridien Phuket, his career has taken him across Asia, the Middle East and North America.
His experience includes hotel pre-openings, profit centre management, the development of food and beverage concepts and the leadership of teams within complex hospitality operations.
Academically, he holds a master’s degree in Management and Marketing from the University of Sunderland, alongside several certifications from Cornell University, notably in hotel management and food and beverage financial management.
A new chapter in Atlantis’ management structure
Jimmy Lopez’s appointment comes amid an increasingly competitive hospitality environment, where luxury resort performance depends on the integration of accommodation, dining, leisure and guest experiences.
At Atlantis The Palm, his responsibilities will include driving further improvements in operational and commercial performance while supporting teams in developing the resort’s offering and service standards.
His experience at Hoiana Resort & Golf, where he supported several phases of development and operational restructuring, represents a central element of his background for this new role.
At a Glance
Appointment: Jimmy Lopez appointed General Manager & Senior Vice President, Operations at Atlantis The Palm.
Location: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Effective date: November 2026.
Previous position: Senior Vice President Hospitality & General Manager at Hoiana Resort & Golf, Vietnam.
Career background: Rosewood Hotel Group, City of Dreams Macau, Palazzo Versace Dubai, Jumeirah Group, Ritz-Carlton, COMO and Le Méridien.
Expertise: Luxury resort operations, integrated destinations, hotel openings, F&B management and commercial performance.
