Nikki Beach Worldwide, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, is focusing on the Hotels & Resorts sector of the business.

Newly hired president of Nikki Beach Hotels & Resorts Asia Kevin Wallace will lead the division’s plans for expansion throughout China, India, Australia and Southeast Asia, while Alexander Schneider will serve as vice president of Nikki Beach Hotels & Resorts in Europe and the Middle East.

“This year, we are celebrating our 20th anniversary as a global brand. I am very proud of what the company has become,” said Jack Penrod, founder and owner of Nikki Beach Worldwide.

“It’s now time to take our growth to the next level with an aggressive, yet well thought out, expansion plan for the Hotels & Resorts division.

“By segmenting the business into different regions of the globe and putting trusted senior executives at the top of each division, I am confident that our expansion plan will be a great success.”

Prior to joining Nikki Beach Hotels & Resorts, Wallace was president of Centara Hotels and Resorts,  MD Asia of Plateno Hotel Group and MD Asia Pacific for Dream Hotel Group.

Alexander Schneider has been working with the brand since April 2016, leading the opening of Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai.

Within six months of opening, this resort ranked in the top 10 of all luxury resorts in Dubai and the location’s restaurant and beach club revenues equal room revenues.

Schneider has worked with Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi – UAE, Rixos Properties UAE, Grand Hyatt, Germany and Casa Camper boutique hotels in Berlin.

“During my my time with the brand, I have developed a great understanding of the concept and its potential for growth,” said Schneider.

“The combination of a serene resort paired with one of the most happening beach clubs in Dubai proved to be the winning factor while leading one the most successful new openings in the region. As the new generation of travelers appreciates the freedom of choice and brands who create strong connections, I feel this fits in well with Nikki Beach Hotels & Resorts plans for expansion.”

“With rapidly expanding economies in Asia, there is a huge demand for the lifestyle hotel and resort product we’re looking to develop,” added Wallace.

“The area has become the fastest growing hotel and tourism region in the world. We’re taking a very successful food and beverage product, which should be the central focal point for any luxury hotel experience, and expanding on that. We see ourselves expanding across key resort and gateway city destinations with a focus on the hotel, beach club and rooftop concept.”

The Nikki Beach Hotels & Resorts division has plans to open over 20 additional properties in the next five years.