Prominent travel and tourism design firm WATG has appointed David D Moore as its new president and CEO, succeeding Anthony Mallows who has led the firm since 2017.

In taking up the influential role, David D Moore becomes the first CEO in WATG’s 75-year history to be based in the APAC region.

New leadership for WATG

Moore first joined WATG in 1989 in the Honolulu office and is credited with pioneering the APAC region for the firm during the 1990s. He is currently chairman of the board.

“I am honoured to assume the role at WATG and to have had the privilege of working with Anthony for the last three years,” commented Moore. “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.”

Wimberly Interiors, WATG’s high-profile interior design firm, launched in 2011.

“My time with WATG and Wimberly Interiors was remarkable,” said Anthony Mallows. “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’s transition over the next few months. I wish him and the firm great success in the future.”

A bounty of experience to draw on

Moore boasts more than 30 years of design experience and deep knowledge spanning a variety of project types ranging from urban developments to beachside retreats. A graduate from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, he gained invaluable experience working with the firm’s founder George ‘Pete’ Wimberly, before going on to become instrumental in expanding the firm’s presence across APAC.

While working as managing director for the Honolulu office, Moore led the 1997 opening of the Singapore office, and successfully diversified WATG’s portfolio to include urban, lifestyle and boutique projects. He relocated to Singapore as managing director in 2007 and from there opened the Shanghai office.

Moore was named regional managing director for Asia Pacific and China in 2018 and, since 2011, has had a place on the board of directors, most recently as chairman.

Throughout this time, Moore has designed more than 50 projects with WATG. Prominent developments that he’s been involved with include Conrad Maldives, Four Seasons Tianjin, the Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott in Beijing, Shangri-La Boracay and Great Keppel Island in Australia. To this day, Moore continues to collaborate with clients and oversee key projects in South-East Asia and China.

WATG and Wimberly Interiors have offices in Honolulu, Irvine (California), LA, New York, London, Singapore and Shanghai.