David D. Moore AIA appointed WATG President + Chief Executive Officer

WATG, one of the world’s leading travel and tourism design firms, has announced the appointment of David D. Moore AIA, as President + Chief Executive Officer. Moore joined WATG in 1989 in the firm’s Honolulu office and is currently Chairman of the Board. Moore succeeds Anthony Mallows, who has led the firm with distinction since 2017. Moore is the first CEO from WATG to be based in Asia Pacific, a region he pioneered for the firm in the 1990s. 

Commenting on his appointment, Moore said: “I am honored to assume the leadership role at WATG and to have had the privilege of working with Anthony for the last three years. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Anthony for his inspirational leadership. His contribution to WATG and Wimberly Interiors was exemplary, and he will be deeply missed.”  

Anthony Mallows noted: “My time with WATG and Wimberly Interiors was remarkable. I have been truly inspired by the dedication, creativity and passion of our talented designers around the world. David is a sterling successor. His dedication to our clients, our team and our partners is unparalleled. This year, while unexpected and challenging in so many ways, has given us all time to reflect on what is truly important in life. I look forward to spending time with my family, writing and working on select sustainable initiatives around the world. And supporting David transition over the next few months. I wish him and the firm great success in the future.”

A graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Moore brings more than 30 years of exceptional design experience to his new post, including deep knowledge in an array of project types from large mixed-use and urban developments to beachside retreats and luxury boutique environments. 

During his early years with the firm, Moore worked with founder George “Pete” Wimberly and was instrumental in expanding the firm’s presence throughout Asia Pacific. As Managing Director of the Honolulu office, Moore led the opening of the Singapore office in 1997 and diversified the firm’s portfolio to include urban, lifestyle and boutique projects. 

Moore relocated permanently to Singapore in 2007 as Managing Director and opened the firm’s Shanghai office. He was appointed Regional Managing Director for Asia Pacific + China in 2018 and has served on the Board of Directors since 2011, most recently as Chairman. 

Moore continues to play an active role collaborating with clients and overseeing projects across southeast Asia and China. Over the years he has designed more than 50 projects with WATG. Notable projects include the Four Seasons Tianjin, Conrad Maldives, Bellagio Shanghai, the Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott in Beijing, Shangri-La Boracay, Anantara Peace Haven, Ritz-Carlton and Conrad in Bali, Hilton Sanya Resort & Spa, First Hawaiian Bank in Guam, Four Seasons Goa, and Great Keppel Island in Australia. He has worked with the world’s most esteemed hospitality brands and will continue to foster those key relationships as President + CEO. 

About WATG

Founded in 1945 and celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2020, WATG is one of the world’s leading design firms specializing in hospitality, entertainment + gaming, urban + mixed-use and high-end residential design. WATG’s interior design firm, Wimberly Interiors, launched in 2011, and is consistently ranked in the Top 20 by Interior Design Magazine in its Hospitality Giants survey. Throughout its history, WATG and Wimberly Interiors have designed over 400 built projects in 170 countries and territories around the world. 

Since George “Pete” Wimberly founded the firm in Honolulu in 1945, WATG has grown to offer integrated design services including Strategy, Master Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Interiors for urban, tourism and resort destinations. WATG and Wimberly Interiors have offices in Honolulu, Irvine (California), Los Angeles, New York, London, Singapore and Shanghai and are best known for creating internationally acclaimed destinations in more than 170 countries across six continents. WATG’s projects are renowned not only for their timeless design and sense of place but also for their bottom-line success.

Throughout the decades, WATG and Wimberly Interiors have designed over 500 built projects on behalf of distinguished clients and brands such as Accor, Belmond, Blackstone Group, China Jinmao Group, China Merchant, Chimelong, Dune Real Estate Partners, Emaar, Four Seasons, Highgate, Hilton Worldwide, Host Hotels & Resorts, Huafa Group, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, InterContinental Hotels Group, intu Properties, Kempinski, Keppel Land, KSL Capital, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Marassi, Marriott International, MGM Resorts International, Minor Hotels, Mont Choisy Group, MSD Capital, New Century Tourism Group, R.D. Olson Development, The Red Sea Development Company, Rosewood Hotel Group, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Suning, Sunstone Hotel Investors, Viceroy Hotels & Resorts, Yotel and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

About Wimberly Interiors

Wimberly Interiors, a design studio of WATG, has established itself at the forefront of hospitality design, delivering inspired designs that integrate reality with emotion, and ranking 12th in the 2019 Top 100 Hospitality Giants by Interior Design Magazine.

In 2019, Wimberly Interiors designed projects in over 25 countries on five continents on behalf of distinguished brands such as EDITION, W Hotels, Dream Hotel Group, Four Seasons, St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood, Viceroy, Fairmont, Belmond, Kempinski and Hyatt. The firm’s extraordinary designs begin with a compelling story and a spirit of curiosity that inform and intrigue guest experiences with unique expression. 

Winner of over 60 awards and accolades, the studio’s marquis hospitality projects include the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, The EDITION Abu Dhabi, Dream Hotel Downtown New York, Marquee New York, Chroma Seoul, Bellagio Shanghai, Rosewood Baha Mar, Four Seasons Los Angeles, Bentley Suite at The St. Regis New York, Hotel 50 Bowery NYC, Viceroy Kopaonik Serbia and Viceroy Ombria Resort in Portugal. Wimberly Interiors has launched strategic studios in New York, Los Angeles, London, Singapore and Shanghai.