PARADISE ISLAND, THE BAHAMAS (August 30, 2016) – Brookfield Asset Management is pleased to announce the appointment of Howard C. Karawan as President and Managing Director of Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in The Bahamas. Karawan will succeed Paul Burke, who recently resigned from the position to pursue new career endeavors in the United States. Karawan will assume his new position on September 19, 2016.
A luxury hospitality and gaming veteran with over 30 years of experience, Karawan will make his return to Atlantis after previously holding the position of President and Chief Marketing Officer for Kerzner International, the prior owner and operator of Atlantis. During his tenure at the company, he was part of the senior leadership team that developed and managed Atlantis and spearheaded the creation and launch of One&Only Resorts brand. Following that position, Karawan served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Restructuring Officer for Fontainebleau Resorts LLC, where he was responsible for all aspects of the luxury resort including financial, operations, marketing, and the highly successful launch of the Fontainebleau Miami Beach.
“We thank Paul for his commitment over the past five years and are pleased he will help to transition Howard into his new role, said Andrea Balkan, Managing Partner at Brookfield. “We are delighted to welcome Howard back to the Atlantis team and are confident he and the team will continue making Atlantis a leading world-class destination. With Howard’s knowledge and understanding of the business, it will build on our growth and strategic vision for the future.”
In his new role, Karawan will lead Atlantis’ business development and overall strategic direction and growth of the property. He also will oversee the leadership and integration of the overall guest and employee experience, while managing the day-to-day operations of the resort.
“Atlantis, The Bahamas, and the Bahamian people hold a special place in my heart,” said Karawan. “It is a privilege to be able to come back to this one of a kind resort and work with the team of dedicated Atlantis employees committed to delivering a guest experience unlike any other and continuing to evolve Atlantis which attracts holiday travelers from around the globe.”
“It has been my pleasure working at Atlantis for the past few years, and I will truly miss all my team members and The Bahamas,” said Burke. “I am grateful for my time here and wish the best for the resort in the future.”
Karawan holds an MBA from the State University of New York with a concentration in Marketing and Finance and an undergraduate degree in Hospitality Management from Florida International University.
