Cipriani, a well-known operator of high-end hotels, members’ clubs, and restaurants, has appointed Thayer Thompson as its new general counsel as the company embarks on a global expansion. Thompson joins Cipriani from Standard International LLC, where he served as the chief legal officer for the boutique hotel chain, Standard, Peri, and Bunkhouse brands.
Thompson becomes Cipriani’s first general counsel in several years, filling a role previously last held by Christy Reuter, now a partner at Blank Rome. Cipriani is undergoing a significant expansion under its Casa Cipriani brand, with a goal of opening new locations in Dubai, Geneva, Madrid, Singapore, and Tokyo. The company aims to raise over $500 million for this ambitious project [source].
Thompson’s extensive background includes corporate work at notable law firms such as Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz. He also served in various legal capacities at Richard Branson’s Virgin Group Holdings Ltd., including time at Virgin Hotels. His transition from Standard International comes as the company prepares for a sale to Hyatt Hotels Corp. worth up to $335 million [sale details].
Cipriani establishments have been popular venues for law firm events and holiday parties, many of which were paused during the pandemic. The company’s growth plans include expanding its luxury private club, Casa Cipriani, which requires about $4,000 annually for membership at its New York location. Littler Mendelson has handled labor and employment matters for Cipriani, while ArentFox Schiff and Gottlieb, Rackman & Reisman have advised on contract and trademark issues [further legal context].