With over 25 years of international luxury hospitality experience, Will Oakley has been appointed Managing Director of Oetker Collection’s Jumby Bay Island. Set in one of the most beautiful locations in the world, Jumby Bay Island is a private island just two miles off mainland Antigua. Ringed with coral reefs and reachable only by boat, with not a car in sight, the pristine island is a place to unwind and reconnect with nature in the most luxurious of surroundings.
Will’s career in hospitality began in 1992 when he embarked upon the Savoy Group Hotels & Restaurants five-year management training programme, during which time he gained valuable experience working in various departments at prestigious hotels, including The Savoy, Claridges, The Connaught, The Berkeley, and The Lygon Arms. Will subsequently undertook the role as Night Manager at The Lanesborough, London, which joined Oetker Collection’s portfolio of Masterpiece Hotels in 2015.
Will has extensive experience in the Caribbean, having previously held the title of General Manager of Cobblers Cove in Barbados for over six years, where he also oversaw the hotel’s multi-million-dollar refurbishment. Will returned to the UK where he acted as General Manager of the privately owned Glenapp Castle on the West Coast of Scotland. In addition to a previous appointment as General Manager of The Cadogan in London, Will enjoyed a tenure with the Bespoke Hotel Management Company, where responsibilities included the management of the Bermondsey Square Hotel, Manchester Street Hotel, and The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate.
Of his appointment, Oakley comments: “Having been based in the Caribbean for several years, I am extremely excited to return with Oetker Collection, one of the best hotel groups in the world, and lead this Masterpiece Hotel that has a global reputation based upon privacy, exclusivity, and best-in-class amenities. I look forward to continuing to deliver upon Jumby Bay’s “Life Unscripted” mantra through continued innovation and the seamless level of service the property is renowned for.”
Timo Gruenert, CEO of Oetker Collection, adds: “It gives me great pleasure to share Will Oakley’s appointment as Managing Director of Jumby Bay Island. Will has a wealth of experience in the high-end segment of luxury hospitality and brings invaluable knowledge of the Caribbean. His personality fits beautifully with the values of Oetker Collection and the DNA of Jumby Bay, and I could not be happier to have Will as part of our strong leadership team going forward. Jumby Bay is a very special place, with both incredible natural beauty and amenities and passionate hoteliers who genuinely care for the wellbeing of their guests as if they were part of the Jumby Family. We are delighted that Will is set to become a custodian of this exceptionally unique resort.”
