Nicholas Clayton, the former president and CEO of Viceroy Hotel Group, has been selected as the new chief operating officer of luxury hospitality operator Jumeirah Group.

Prior to his role leading the 3,500-strong Viceroy Hotel Group team, Clayton spent 14 years with Ritz-Carlton in the group's US, Australian and Singapore businesses.

Clayton joined Mandarin Oriental in 2001 as senior vice president operations in Hong Kong, a role which included responsibility for the company's global spa divisions among others.

The United Arab Emirates-based group has also announced that chief executive officer Guy Crawford is to take planned retirement in June, following a 10-year career at Jumeirah.

During Crawford's time at Jumeirah, the group has expanded its portfolio to 20 hotels and hotel residences around the world, as well as other divisions which include spas and waterparks.

Details: www.jumeirah.com

Image: Nicholas Clayton