Luxury Resort Leadership: GM Appointments in US and Malaysia

Luxury resort operators in the United States and Malaysia have appointed new general managers to steer property transformations, elevate wellness programming, and oversee major operations. Kurt Berman takes the helm at Maryland’s Inn at Perry Cabin, while Lisa Jackson leads Sunway Hospitality Group’s The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat in Ipoh, Malaysia, bringing decades of international resort management to their respective destinations.

Who is leading Inn at Perry Cabin’s new operational chapter?

Inn at Perry Cabin appointed Kurt Berman as its new General Manager to direct day-to-day operations and guide long-term strategy at the waterfront property [1]. Berman brings nearly three decades of luxury hospitality management spanning four continents, arriving in St. Michaels, Maryland, after directing high-end lodges, island escapes, and adventure properties [1]. As reported by eHotelier, his background includes leadership positions across Iceland, Thailand, China, the Maldives, Seychelles, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and the United States [1].

Before arriving at the 78-room Chesapeake Bay resort, Berman served as General Manager at Eleven Deplar Farm, a luxury adventure lodge in Iceland [1]. His track record also includes roles as Vice President of Hospitality at Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah, Chief Executive Officer of Ropeswing Hospitality Group in Bentonville, Arkansas, and positions with Samujana in Thailand, Six Senses in the Maldives, Frégate Island Private in the Seychelles, and Rosewood in the Caribbean [1]. Across these posts, Berman managed teams ranging from an 85-person operation in remote Iceland to a seasonal mountain workforce exceeding 850 associates [1].

What experience does Lisa Jackson bring to The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat?

Sunway Hospitality Group named Lisa Jackson as General Manager of The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, placing commercial performance and wellness execution under her direct oversight [2]. Originally from South Africa, Jackson offers more than 20 years of luxury resort leadership across Africa and Asia [2]. According to eHotelier's coverage of Sunway Hospitality Group, Jackson started her career as a Revenue Manager before progressing through operational ranks [2].

Jackson joined Minor Hotels in 2018 as Cluster Director of Revenue Management for three luxury properties in Zambia and Mozambique, introducing personalized VIP services [2]. Minor Hotels promoted her to Hotel Manager with Anantara in 2021, followed by her first General Manager appointment in 2023 at Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar, a 15-villa retreat where she directed property refurbishments, enhanced butler services, and overhauled wellness offerings [2]. Prior to joining The Banjaran, Jackson served in Malaysia as Resort Manager of the 117-key Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas [2].

How do these two appointments compare across properties?

Both appointments place South African-born hospitality leaders at nature-centric luxury retreats that rely heavily on specialized amenities such as wellness spas, outdoor sports, and regional fine dining [[1], [2]].

What operational priorities face the new resort leaders?

At Inn at Perry Cabin, Berman oversees a historic 26-acre estate on the Miles River featuring championship golf at the Pete Dye-designed Links at Perry Cabin, sailing programs, regionally inspired culinary concepts, and extensive wellness services [1]. Berman has partnered with ownership groups across 30 years to lead capital projects and business development [1]. Accompanied by his wife, Shannon, and son, Cooper Wilde, Berman has relocated to St. Michaels, adding sailing to personal pursuits that include golf, hiking, and culinary arts [1].

At The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Jackson takes charge of a 22.7-acre wellness destination situated among ancient limestone hills, geothermal hot spring pools, forest trails, and subterranean dining venue Jeff's Cellar [2]. According to coverage by eHotelier, The Banjaran earned the rank of country No.1 Best Hotel Spa for three consecutive years through 2026 in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific, while also securing the No.2 spot for Best Beach, Island & Upcountry Resort in Malaysia [2]. Sunway Hospitality Group Chief Executive Officer Alex Castaldi affirmed that Jackson's background in commercial optimization and team leadership positions the retreat for its upcoming phase of international growth [2].