Kathleen Taylor, photographed by ITP Publishing's Murrindie Frew, during a trip to Dubai in August 2012
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts announced yesterday (February 5) that CEO Kathleen Taylor would immediately be “leaving” her role as chief executive officer.
Taylor assumed the position of CEO from Four Seasons founder Isadore Sharp in 2010, after more than two decades with the luxury Canada-based operator.
Four Seasons did not disclose the reason for Taylor’s departure, but said it was searching for her successor with the help of executive search firm Ferguson Partners Ltd.
In the meantime, Four Seasons’ nine-member executive leadership team will manage.
Sharp continues as chairman and a shareholder, he said in a statement: “I am deeply grateful to Katie for her nearly 25 years of outstanding service and wish her well in the next phase of her career.
“Katie has been a trusted colleague and fundamental to building Four Seasons into the admired and successful company it is today. She leaves us with a strong foundation for the future and we remain firmly committed to leadership in luxury hospitality and accelerating our goals for long-term growth,” he added.
In the same statement, Taylor said: “Throughout my almost quarter century with Four Seasons the one constant has been the power of the employees - they have always been my inspiration.
“I am also immensely proud of the members of my executive leadership team and going forward, it is they, along with the nearly 40,000 employees who will fulfil the vision that we have put in place together, driving the future success of the company,” she added.
CLICK HERE TO READ AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH KATHLEEN TAYLOR
The privately-held Company, backed by long-term shareholders comprising Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom Holding Company, Cascade Investment and Triples Holdings, operates hotels in 37 countries, with global expansion plans.
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“Our long-term commitment to Four Seasons has not changed,” commented His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, chairman of Kingdom Hotels International.
“We are confident that we can quickly identify a successor to Katie who shares Four Seasons’ vision and values and that the company’s strong executive leadership team, which has the full support of the shareholders, will provide the leadership and continuity necessary to guide us through a seamless transition. We see more opportunity today than ever before,” he added.
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