Currently based in Dubai, Wale will move to Monaco to take up the new role, effective 1 October.
He joins the global luxury travel company from Kerzner International, owner of the Atlantis and One&Only Resorts brands, where he was chief executive.
Before joining Kerzner, Wale’s career spanned almost 40 years with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, including as president for Europe, Africa & Middle East, where he oversaw the operations of 250 hotels and resorts across its 10 brands in 60 countries.
“I am thrilled to be joining the team at Abercrombie & Kent at this pivotal time in the company’s history,” said Wale. “I have travelled with A&K before and understand its distinctive approach to luxury experiential travel.”
Founded by Geoffrey Kent and his parents in 1962, A&K now has 55 on-site offices in more than 30 countries, but operates trips in 100. Kent remains in place as co-chairman of A&K.
The company is majority owned by Heritage Group, a private group investing in tourism and other industries under chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, who is also co-chairman of A&K alongside Kent.
“With Michael, Abercrombie & Kent will start an exciting new chapter,” Lefebvre said.
“When guests book a holiday with us, they know we will guide them to amazing places, but the destination is a given. What they expect from us – and what keeps them coming back – is how we go the extra mile. Michael’s extensive experience in guest services and operations will take what A&K is known for to the next level.”
“Michael has a remarkable track record of steering leading luxury brands towards unequalled heights,” Kent added. “We look forward to working with him to elevate Abercrombie & Kent’s profile and achieve even higher standards of excellence.”
“I look forward to working with Geoffrey and Manfredi, two titans of the travel industry, to build a bright future for our guests, partners and staff,” Wale said.
Wale will continue his association with Kerzner International, joining the board of the company.
