The former head of Hyatt Hotel Corporation’s Apple Leisure Group is taking the helm of Four Season Hotels and Resorts.

Alejandro Reynal joined the luxury group this week, succeeding John Davison, who announced his intention to retire late in 2021 after 20 years with the company. Davison remains a member of the Four Seasons board.

His arrival coincides with the creation of new cruise arm Four Seasons Yachts which is due to start operations in 2025.

Reynal brings more than two decades of executive leadership experience in the global travel and hospitality, business services and telecommunications industries to the role, including strategic management positions at Telefonica and Coca-Cola.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts’ majority owner with a 71.25% stake is Cascade Investment, which holds personal assets of Microsoft founder Bill Gates, as well as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust.

Four Seasons founder and chairman Isadore Sharp said: “Alejandro joins Four Seasons as we mark the start of a new chapter, building upon our legacy of success and a culture that we have collectively championed over more than 60 years. 

“He is a proven leader and executive, and even more importantly, a person of integrity with a deep commitment to excellence and a keen understanding of Four Seasons values and genuine heart.”

Reynal added: “I look forward to working with the board, executive leadership team, and the more than 50,000 employees worldwide whose dedication to excellence and personalised service sits at the heart of Four Seasons, and continuing to drive our success now and in the future. 

“There are numerous strategic opportunities ahead, and we are well positioned to steer a new course in the luxury space that will further enhance the value and power of our brand.”