Four Seasons announces new leadership structure

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts announced today that, after an “inspiring and dynamic career”, Jim FitzGibbon, president worldwide hotel operations, has decided to retire.

FitzGibbon will continue to be involved with the company in an advisory role as Four Seasons transitions to a new organisational structure. He will officially relinquish these transitional responsibilities at the end of 2012.

“We will all miss Jim’s leadership, business acumen, warmth and humour. All of us at Four Seasons have benefited enormously from the lasting contributions Jim has made to our organization and culture,” said Katie Taylor, CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

“In his distinguished 35 year career, Jim has mentored and stewarded many of the Company’s current and future leaders, leaving behind a solid foundation for succession, and a lasting legacy of leadership and friendship. I am personally grateful for the tremendous support he has given me over our many years working together.”

FitzGibbon’s career at Four Seasons has spanned 10 posts in almost as many countries, beginning with an entry level position in the front office at the Inn on the Park Toronto and culminating in his appointment to president, worldwide hotel operations in 2006.

“I count myself exceedingly fortunate to have been able to spend my career with Four Seasons,” said Jim FitzGibbon. “The opportunity to grow and learn with the Company, and to be able to lead a team of the most talented and passionate people in the business, has been tremendously rewarding. While I will certainly miss the day to day interactions with our guests and employees, I know that I have formed friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Four Seasons is now adding two regional presidents of hotel operations for Asia Pacific and the Americas to its executive team. Antoine Corinthios already fulfills that role for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Chris Hart has been appointed president, hotel operations - Asia Pacific; Craig Reid in the same role for the Americas.

Chris Hunsberger is appointed executive vice president, product and innovation. In this newly created role, Chris will be responsible for overseeing the company's product evolution and innovation efforts.

These three operational appointments are effective August 1, 2011.

Sarah Cohen has also been appointed executive vice president and general counsel.

“The structure that we have announced today has been designed to reflect the future needs of the Company as we grow and evolve,” Taylor said.

“It will enable us to provide strategic and senior leadership as close to our regional operating businesses as possible, responding to the diverse business challenges of each region in a way that has the most impact. The structure also allows us to continue to grow future leaders from within the Company. On behalf of everyone at Four Seasons, I congratulate our new leaders on these significant roles.”