A multi-brand portfolio under single leadership
Matt Knights takes up the role of Multi-Property General Manager, Sun Group Phu Quoc, on 28 September 2026. He is based at the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, where he also serves as General Manager.
His remit covers properties under the JW Marriott Marquis, W, The Luxury Collection, Le Méridien, Moxy and Fairfield by Marriott brands, as part of Sun Group’s growth on Phú Quốc. This governance model, bringing brands that range from luxury to economy under a single leadership, reflects the logic of an owner concentrating several assets in one destination.
Vietnam holds an increasingly important place in Marriott’s regional strategy, with the group strengthening its presence from major cities through to emerging destinations such as Phú Quốc.
Dean of Lamarck University
The appointment carries a dimension unique to the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay. Designed as a fictional university campus, the resort perpetuates the story of Lamarck University, and its general manager traditionally becomes its dean.
In its announcement, the property states that Matt Knights takes on this role to carry forward the spirit of discovery and learning at the heart of the resort’s identity, which it describes as one of a kind.
Nearly nineteen years with Marriott, from Canada to the Caribbean
A graduate of Leeds Beckett University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Administration/Management (1992-1995), Matt Knights also completed a City & Guilds qualification in bakery and pastry at Leicester College. According to the property, he has more than 25 years of hospitality experience.
His first stint with Marriott International spanned 18 years and 9 months. He started out as General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott Markham, near Toronto, in 2003, before running both the Courtyard and the Residence Inn by Marriott Markham until 2006.
He then moved to the Edmonton Marriott at River Cree Resort, first as Assistant General Manager, then as General Manager from 2009 to 2012. Next came the Caribbean: Hotel Manager of the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino (2013-2015), followed by General Manager of the Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino (2015-2017).
From 2017 to 2022, he served as Area General Manager for the Dominican Republic and Haiti, his first experience of multi-property oversight at market level.
Three years on the owner side at AWC
In February 2022, Matt Knights moved from the operator world to the owner side, joining Asset World Corporation (AWC) in Bangkok. Initially Head of Hospitality Business, he became Chief Hospitality Group Officer from March 2022 to November 2024, then Managing Director – Hospitality until June 2025.
The Thai property group, which partners with several major international hotel companies, opened the Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit with Accor this summer.
In July 2025, he returned to Marriott as pre-opening General Manager of the JW Marriott Bangkok Ratchadapisek. His brief: to lead, on behalf of AWC, the transformation and full renovation of the former Jubilee Prestige Hotel.
Phú Quốc, a market taking shape
Analysis – This dual track record, first as operator and then as owner, is an asset in a role built around the relationship with a single investor holding multiple assets under different brands. The ability to balance Sun Group’s expectations with each brand’s standards will be central to the job.
The island is attracting a growing number of international operators, such as Ennismore, which is preparing the Rixos Phu Quoc Vietnam, with more than 1,700 rooms. The talent market is also gathering pace, as shown by the recent move of Yong Min Kim, former General Manager of La Festa Phu Quoc, to the Conrad Bangkok Sukhumvit Queen’s Park.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Matt Knights appointed Multi-Property General Manager, Sun Group Phu Quoc (Marriott International)
Effective date: September 28, 2026, based at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
Scope: JW Marriott Marquis, W, The Luxury Collection, Le Méridien, Moxy and Fairfield by Marriott properties owned by Sun Group
Also named Dean of Lamarck University, the resort’s university-inspired concept
Background: nearly 19 years with Marriott across Canada, Aruba, Dominican Republic and Haiti
Owner-side experience: Chief Hospitality Group Officer, then Managing Director – Hospitality at Asset World Corporation (2022-2025)
