Baillie Lodges has announced the appointment of hospitality veteran Michael Crawford as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 19 May 2025.
The leadership change signals a new chapter of strategic growth for the ultra-luxury lodge collection, which has expanded rapidly since partnering with KSL Capital Partners in 2019.
Current Executive Chairman Michael Moret-Lalli will step aside from his operational role to focus on global business development as Head of Mergers & Acquisitions and Development.
Global experience to guide future growth
Mr Crawford joins Baillie Lodges with a distinguished career in global hospitality leadership. Most recently, he served as Chairman, President and CEO of Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company, overseeing the company’s IPO and growth across media, gaming and lodging. He also held senior roles at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and spent nearly 25 years at The Walt Disney Company across the United States and Asia.
“Baillie Lodges is an extraordinary platform with some of the world’s most iconic experiential travel destinations,” said Mr Crawford.
“I’m thrilled to be joining a passionate team dedicated to creating life-affirming guest experiences rooted in a strong sense of place and cultural connection.”
Continued expansion across the globe
With support from KSL, Baillie Lodges has grown from four Australian properties to nine lodges across Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Chile. Under Mr Moret-Lalli’s leadership, the company completed four acquisitions, including the Tierra Hotels portfolio in Chile, and invested more than US$100 million in capital projects—most notably, the rebuild of Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island following the 2020 bushfires.
“This is an exciting moment for Baillie Lodges as they aggressively pursue strategic growth,” said Kirk Adamson, Partner at KSL.
“Michael Crawford brings a wealth of operating experience and a deep understanding of today’s luxury traveller.”
A year of milestones
Baillie Lodges has also marked two significant re-openings in 2025: New Zealand’s Huka Lodge, which welcomed guests back on 1 March, and Tierra Atacama in Chile, which reopened on 1 April following major refurbishments.
The addition of Mr Crawford is expected to further position Baillie Lodges as a leader in luxury experiential travel, with plans to continue expanding its global footprint.
