What does your new role as president of hotel operations at Four Seasons entail?
Moving from operations to a corporate role is a big step that requires learning and adjusting. With over 30 years of experience in hospitality, I feel ready to put my knowledge to the test and contribute to further the success of our hotel operations in Asia Pacific. As I oversee more than 40 hotels and resorts — operational and under development — I look forward to partnering with our outstanding leaders who, with their teams, make the magic happen every day, hence keeping Four Seasons the ultimate brand in luxury hospitality.
What are your plans once you assume your new position?
My priority is to get to know those who matter the most: our people, partners, owners, the APAC’s corporate office team in Singapore, the teams who manage our hotels and resorts throughout the region, and my colleagues in our headquarters in Toronto and Miami. Everything tends to fall into place, so it’s important to take it one step at a time.
How do you foresee the future of Four Seasons specifically and the hospitality sector as a whole?
Having witnessed the impressive comeback of the industry over the past year, following a turbulent couple of years, I believe the future looks promising. As for Four Seasons, with the arrival of our new CEO, as well as the launching of several initiatives, including but not limited to Four Seasons Yachts, I truly believe that the future is brighter than it has ever been. I am excited to be part of the next chapter and am looking forward to supporting our future leaders who will carry the Four Seasons flag for years to come.
About author
Rita Ghantous
Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector. Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC). She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book. She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter. Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler. It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.
