Tropica Group of Companies is thrilled to announce the appointment of Leigh Howard as our new Chief Operating Officer (COO). With more than two decades of global experience in the hospitality and operations sectors, Leigh is poised to lead Tropica into its next exciting phase of growth, operational excellence, and innovation.
A Transformative Era for Tropica Group of Companies
Leigh’s impressive career is defined by a history of transformative leadership with top-tier global companies, where he has consistently delivered outstanding results. His expertise spans strategic leadership, operational management, forging key partnerships, driving efficiency improvements, and leading significant business growth. Leigh’s proven ability to drive organisational success makes him the ideal leader to guide Tropica into the future.
At Tropica, Leigh will spearhead efforts to optimise our operations, enhance efficiency, and elevate every aspect of our organisation. His sharp focus on operational excellence will enable Tropica to continue setting new benchmarks in the hospitality industry. Additionally, Leigh will serve as Interim General Manager of Tropica Island Resort for the first six months, bringing his visionary leadership to our Fiji-based, adults-only resort. This hands-on role will allow him to directly influence the resort’s ongoing success, fostering new opportunities for growth and exceptional guest experiences.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Leigh to the Tropica family,” said Rob Cecconi, Chairman of the Tropica Group of Companies. “His outstanding leadership, combined with his passion for operational excellence, is exactly what we need to enhance our guest experience and cement our position as a leader in the industry. Leigh’s strategic vision and relentless drive for success align perfectly with our core values, ensuring that our future will be defined by continued excellence and unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Leigh Howard shared, “I am deeply honoured and incredibly excited to join the Tropica Group of Companies at such a transformative time in its journey. I feel immense gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside such an exceptional team—truly remarkable individuals whose passion, dedication, and talent inspire me every day. Together, I’m confident we will achieve extraordinary things, pushing the boundaries of hospitality and creating unforgettable experiences for our guests. I’m fortunate to be part of this amazing group, and I look forward to contributing to our shared success.”
Leigh’s appointment marks a pivotal moment in Tropica’s journey—one that underscores our unwavering commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and delivering unparalleled experiences. With Leigh at the helm, we are confident that Tropica will not only thrive but also continue to lead the evolution of Fijian hospitality.
We look forward to seeing the transformative impact of Leigh’s leadership across both Tropica Island Resort and the broader Tropica Group as we exceed expectations and redefine the art of hospitality.
FURTHER READING: For those interested in exploring this topic further, additional resources and in-depth materials are provided below when available; otherwise, no further reading is included at this time.:
REFERENCES: This guide is based on over a decade of research and firsthand experience living in Fiji. It incorporates extensive knowledge gained through long-term residence and ongoing engagement with the region. Images and text have been sourced from official references, which are acknowledged below, to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.
FOOTNOTES: Additional details, clarifications, or sources referenced in this article are included as Footnotes below the text when applicable; otherwise, no Footnotes are provided.

