Robert Fritz named executive chairman at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Robert Fritz has been appointed executive chairman at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

Fritz takes over from Four Seasons founder and chairman Isadore Sharp, who will assume the role of chairman emeritus.

A long-standing executive at Cascade Investment, the hotel group’s majority shareholder, Fritz has served as lead director of the Four Seasons board since 2022.

In his expanded role, he will continue to oversee the board while working closely with Four Seasons president and chief executive officer Alejandro Reynal.

Sharp said: “Robert and I have long been aligned on what makes Four Seasons special: its people. As chairman emeritus, I remain closely involved with the company and committed to its future. I have great confidence in Robert’s leadership and in the direction the company is taking.”

Michael Larson, chief investment officer at Cascade, added: “Robert shares Issy’s founding vision of Four Seasons. We are pleased that Robert will continue his active engagement with management and key stakeholders in support of the company’s long-term strategy.”

Fritz commented: “As a steward of the brand, I look forward to continuing to support Alejandro and the management team in maintaining the reputation of excellence Four Seasons has earned over the past 65 years. Long-term decision making and a people-centric culture will continue to guide this company forward and add value to all of our stakeholders.”

Four Seasons is privately held by majority shareholder Cascade Investment, alongside Kingdom Holding Company and Isadore Sharp through Triples Holdings Limited.

The Canadian-based hotel group was founded in 1961 and today spans 130 properties worldwide.

Four Seasons opened its first London hotel – Inn on the Park London, which later became Four Seasons Hotel London on Park Lane – in 1970.

Its UK portfolio also includes Four Seasons London at Tower Bridge and Four Seasons Hampshire.