TORONTO The president of worldwide hotel operations for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Jim FitzGibbon, is retiring, with the position to be split into two roles.
FitzGibbon will continue in an advisory role until the end of next year
“We will all miss Jim’s leadership, business acumen, warmth and humor. All of us at Four Seasons have benefited enormously from the lasting contributions Jim has made to our organization and culture,” says CEO Katie Taylor. “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, beginning with an entry-level front office position at Inn on the Park Toronto and culminating in his appointment to president of worldwide hotel operations in 2006.
“I count myself exceedingly fortunate to have been able to spend my career with Four Seasons,” he says. “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.”
Going forward, the role will be divided into three regional positions, with presidents of hotel operations for Asia Pacific and the Americas to join Antoine Corinthios, who already fills the role for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Chris Hart is appointed president of hotel operations for Asia Pacific. All regional vice presidents in Asia Pacific will continue to report to Hart, and he will report directly to Taylor. Hart joined Four Seasons in Edmonton in 1984, becoming senior vice president of Asia Pacific operations in 2008. He will continue to be based in Singapore.
Craig Reid is appointed president of hotel operations in the Americas. He started with Four Seasons in Washington, D.C., in 1983, and was promoted to senior vice president of Americas operations in 2007. He will continue to be based in Dallas.
Four Seasons is also creating a new executive position to oversee global product and innovation. Chris Hunsberger is appointed executive vice president of product and innovation. Americas F&B Vice President Guy Rigby and Americas Rooms Vice President Scott Taber will report directly to Hunsberger, who will report directly to Taylor.