Herve Humler, one of the original founders of The Ritz-Carlton in 1983, was named the company’s new president and chief operating officer, replacing Simon Cooper. Cooper, who joined Ritz in 2001 after serving as Marriott’s lodging president for Canada, was named Marriott International’s new president and managing director for Asia Pacific.

Humler will also oversee Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, a joint venture with Marriott, and report to Robert J. McCarthy, Marriott International Group President. Humler had headed Ritz’s international region as global chief operating officer.

"Herve is a true international hotelier with more than 35 years in the luxury lodging business and has helped to build The Ritz-Carlton into a world-class brand," said McCarthy. "We feel most fortunate to have Herve in this position of increased responsibility where he can continue to provide his strong leadership to this iconic brand."

The Ritz-Carlton currently operates 76 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean.