Four Seasons names Kathleen Taylor Chief Operating Officer
July 25 2006 - 7:30AM
PR Newswire (US)
TORONTO, July 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Four Seasons Hotels Inc.
(TSX Symbol "FSH"; NYSE Symbol "FS") announced today that Kathleen
Taylor has been appointed President and Chief Operating Officer
effective January 1, 2007, assuming responsibility for both global
business and hotel operations. Wolf Hengst, who is currently
President, Worldwide Hotel Operations, has announced his intention
to retire at year-end. Following Mr. Hengst's retirement, Jim
FitzGibbon will become President, Worldwide Hotel Operations,
reporting to Ms. Taylor. "I am extremely pleased to announce this
important step in our long-term succession plans," said Isadore
Sharp, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Since joining the
company in 1989, Kathleen has made very significant contributions
to our success, leading our growth plans and worldwide business
operations. She is a highly skilled executive with proven
leadership abilities. Over the last seven years Kathleen and Wolf
have acted as Co-Presidents, sharing the overall responsibility for
all elements of our global business. This appointment is the
natural and planned next step in our leadership transition." "I am
also pleased to announce that Jim FitzGibbon, a 30-year veteran of
the company who helped create Four Seasons intuitive service model
and unique service culture, has accepted this significant
leadership role. Jim has shown a remarkable ability to balance all
of the important elements of our success - people, product and
profit. I look forward to continuing to work with both Kathleen and
Jim over the next many years." "I would also like to express my
deepest thanks to Wolf Hengst for the tremendous contributions he
has made in his nearly 30 years with the company. Wolf's passion
for the company and its people have left an indelible imprint. We
all wish him well in his retirement." Kathleen Taylor joined Four
Seasons in 1989. Most recently Ms. Taylor was President, Worldwide
Business Operations responsible for overseeing the business side of
the company's affairs, including directing Four Seasons worldwide
hotel and residential product design, construction and development
activities, managing the company's acquisition and corporate
planning efforts, and overseeing the company's finance and legal
affairs groups, as well as the corporate human resources and
administration areas. Ms. Taylor obtained her law degree from
Osgoode Hall Law School and her M.B.A. from Schulich School of
Business in 1984. Ms. Taylor has received a number of awards for
business achievement, including the Schulich School of Business
Award for Outstanding Executive Leadership. Jim FitzGibbon joined
Four Seasons in 1976. Most recently, Mr. FitzGibbon was Executive
Vice President, Operations overseeing operations of all hotels in
the Americas. Prior to that, Mr. FitzGibbon was President, Asia
Pacific, responsible for the overall management and operations of
the Four Seasons hotels and resorts located throughout that region.
Four Seasons is dedicated to perfecting the travel experience
through continuous innovation and the highest standards of
hospitality. From elegant surroundings of the finest quality, to
caring, highly personalised 24-hour service, Four Seasons embodies
a true home away from home for those who know and appreciate the
best. The deeply instilled Four Seasons culture is personified in
its employees - people who share a single focus and are inspired to
offer great service. Founded in 1960, Four Seasons has followed a
targeted course of expansion, opening hotels in major city centres
and desirable resort destinations around the world. Currently with
70 hotels in 31 countries, and more than 25 properties under
development, Four Seasons will continue to lead the hospitality
industry with innovative enhancements, making business travel
easier and leisure travel more rewarding. For more information on
Four Seasons, visit http://www.fourseasons.com/. DATASOURCE: Four
Seasons Hotels and Resorts CONTACT: Barbara Henderson, Vice
President, Corporate Finance, (416) 441-4329; Elizabeth Pizzinato,
Vice President, Public Relations, (416) 441-4335
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