SIR SOL Kerzner yesterday stepped down as Kerzner International's chief executive in favour of long-time company executive, Alan Leibman, though he remains as the company's chairman. In that capacity, Sir Sol will work closely with Mr Leibman, former chief operating officer at Atlantis on Paradise Island, on the overall corporate strategy and planned growth of the Atlantis and One&Only brands worldwide. "Over the last 17 years Alan has contributed extensively to Kerzner's success, and his vast experience in this industry makes him an ideal chief executive to lead Kerzner into the future," said Sir Sol. "Alan has a great deal of passion and commitment to both our employees and our guests. As chief executive, Alan will lead the executive management team and will be actively engaged in all aspects of the business. I firmly believe this new organisational structure and focus will best ensure the future success and growth of Kerzner International." Mr Leibman joined Kerzner in 1994, and apart from chief operating officer at Atlantis, he was also the president/managing director of the early development phase of Mazagan Beach Resort; president/managing director of Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai and, most recently, regional president of Europe, Africa and the Middle East. "I am truly pleased to take on this new role as chief executive at this exciting time in the company's history," said Mr Leibman. "I have been fortunate enough to have learned and developed under Sol's leadership for the past 17 years, and couldn't have asked for a better mentor. I plan to continue executing on the same distinct entrepreneurial vision and spirit that he instilled in the company. "Working closely with Sol and the executive management team, we will continue growing Kerzner as a management company, and getting back to doing what we do best - designing and managing world-class destination and luxury resorts under the Atlantis and One&Only brands. Kerzner has the best and most talented workforce across multiple continents, and I look forward to working with them for many years to come."