Four Seasons appoints new president and CEO

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has announced the appointment of Allen Smith as the new president and CEO of the luxury hotel company.

The announcement follows the sudden departure of former CEO Kathleen Taylor, who left the Canada-based operator in February 2013 after more than two decades with the company.

Allen Smith, who is currently CEO of Prudential Real Estate, will take on his new responsibilities at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts from September 23.

During his time at Prudential, Smith’s responsibilities expanded beyond hotel investing to include all commercial property types and all facets of the real estate investment business including strategic planning, organizational development, capital partner relations, portfolio management, corporate finance and business operations.

Commenting on his appointment, Smith said: “Having led a global real estate investment business, I am convinced there is no greater hotel brand and the market demand for Four Seasons around the world is enormous. This is a remarkable situation for me to leverage the complete range of skills developed over my career and it is an honour to help take one of the world’s most admired companies to even greater heights and more great places. The chance to work with this group of owners, management and employees created what is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, chairman of Kingdom Holding Company, which is one of the shareholders of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts commented: “The success of Four Seasons as the world’s greatest luxury hospitality company has resulted from the incredibly strong and consistent vision that the company has pursued from its inception. We have enjoyed a strong relationship over twenty years as the company has evolved and grown, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with our friends at Cascade and Triples to support Allen as CEO.”