Four Seasons on the hunt for new CEO as John Davison steps down

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is searching for a new CEO after incumbent John Davison told the company he intends retire from his role in 2022.

Davison will continue to lead the company until the selection and onboarding of a new CEO is completed next year. Davison has accepted an appointment to Four Seasons board of directors.

Earlier this year Bill Gates' Cascade Investment agreed to take control of Four Seasons in a $2.21 billion deal.

Davison joined Four Seasons in 2002 and, after successive leadership roles in the company, was appointed chief financial officer in 2005. In 2018, Davison was appointed interim-CEO and was permanently appointed to this position in 2019.

What They Said

John Davison, President and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts: “I’ve been tremendously honoured and grateful to work alongside our Board, executive leadership team, and more than 40,000 talented, dedicated employees worldwide as we continue to navigate the historic challenges brought about by the pandemic. With our long-term strategic planning process well underway, now is an ideal time to begin the process of handing over the reins to a new CEO who will have the duration and runway to shape and implement execution of our plans in the years ahead.”

 “As we look forward to the future, I am more confident than ever that Four Seasons is well positioned to capitalise on the many growing opportunities within the luxury market globally. I am incredibly grateful to my colleagues worldwide for their unwavering dedication and commitment and look forward to continuing to do all I can to support Four Seasons in the next chapter of its remarkable history.”

Michael Larson, chief investment officer, Cascade Investment: “John has been an incredible partner since he joined Four Seasons two decades ago. A steadfast and strategic business leader, he has led significant growth of the organisation for the benefit of all stakeholders. With his deep financial and operational insight, John has guided the company through some of its biggest challenges, always championing the people and culture of Four Seasons and leading with empathy and integrity. 
“In particular, John’s leadership as CEO guiding the company throughout the pandemic was exceptional, reaffirming the values and commitment to excellence that define Four Seasons. We are grateful for his service and look forward to his continued commitment to Four Seasons in his capacity as a Cascade appointed Board Director.”