Hyatt has named a new chief information officer, while Four Seasons and Dorchester Collection have added new people.
Hyatt names Eben Hewitt chief information officer
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has appointed Eben Hewitt as its chief information officer. He oversees technology, enterprise applications and cybersecurity for the company. He reports to Mark Vondrasek, Hyatt’s chief commercial officer.
“Eben’s tenacity and drive will bring a fresh perspective to Hyatt and play a critical role in scaling our IT platform to grow and diversify our brand and guest offerings,” said Vondrasek. “Our guest-centered IT is grounded in active listening to the needs of our guests, colleagues and owners, and designed to enhance every part of the hospitality experience.”
Hewitt previously served as chief technology officer at Sabre Hospitality, a leading technology provider for the hospitality industry, serving more than 40,000 hotels and resorts spanning 160 countries. He also brings experience from prior technology leadership roles at Choice Hotels and O’Reilly Media.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to join Hyatt at this transformational moment,” said Hewitt. “It’s an honor to support and advance Hyatt’s vision of a world of understanding and care. As Hyatt grows, this outstanding technology team is ready to create meaningful personal connections and delight our stakeholders, with empathy at the heart of everything we do.”
In addition to Hewitt’s decade of hospitality industry experience, he is also a recognized thought leader in technology, with published books on enterprise architecture, software design and database management systems, including the international bestseller “Technology Strategy Patterns.”
Four Seasons appoints Gilbert Ghostine to board of directors
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has appointed Firmenich CEO Gilbert Ghostine to its board of directors, representing long-term shareholder Cascade Investment.
With more than 35 years of global leadership experience spanning B2C and B2B organizations, he brings to the Four Seasons board of directors a strong, sustained record of delivering profitable growth with public and private companies. As CEO of Geneva-based Firmenich—a privately-owned perfume and taste company—since 2014, he has implemented innovative and purpose-driven strategies with measurable results, according to the company. Notably, Firmenich was first in its industry to employ AI-powered creation solutions and e-commerce platforms. Named as one of 2022 World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere, Firmenich has also become a recognized global leader in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance under his leadership.
“In addition to his proven ability to drive organic growth and create value across global organizations, Gilbert is a principled leader with a clear vision that aligns with Four Seasons global growth strategy for preserving, growing and enhancing the renowned luxury brand,” said Michael Larson, chief investment officer, Cascade Investment, Four Seasons majority shareholder. “As Four Seasons continues the transformation of its digital ecosystem for an enhanced guest experience, Gilbert’s foresight and expertise will be invaluable.”
Over the past eight years serving as the company’s first non-family member CEO, Ghostine has led Firmenich through a period of continuous industry leading growth. During his tenure, the company completed 14 acquisitions and now employs 10,000 people worldwide.
“It is an honor to join the Four Seasons board of directors,” said Ghostine. “As the company continuously elevates its iconic luxury brand, I look forward to leveraging my deep consumer experience and ESG leadership to collaborate with fellow board members and the executive team through Four Seasons next phase of strategic growth and development.”
John Davison, president/CEO, Four Seasons, added, “We are thrilled to welcome Gilbert to the Board. His leadership abilities are in lock step with Four Seasons commitment to preserving our people and renowned service culture that make this company so special to all. Gilbert joins Four Seasons at a pivotal point in our evolution as we seek out new ways to expand and innovate our luxury experience and product offerings worldwide.”
Prior to leading Firmenich, Ghostine worked for premium spirits company Diageo for more than two decades in senior leadership roles across four continents: Africa, Asia, the U.S. and Europe.
Dorchester Collection adds Teresa O’Farrell as global head of wellness & spa
Dorchester Collection has appointed Teresa O’Farrell as global head of wellness & spa.
A new leadership position within the company, she reports to Eugenio Pirri, Dorchester Collection’s chief culture and operations executive. She oversees the spa and wellness offering in current and future hotels and is responsible for developing fully integrated global wellness initiatives aligned with each of the brand’s legendary hotels.
She joined Dorchester Collection as spa director at Coworth Park in Ascot, England in 2018 and during her time, she has successfully elevated the hotel’s spa offering, focusing on overall wellness and wellbeing, according to the company. She is retaining the position alongside her new responsibilities as global head of wellness & spa.
“With more than 25 years’ experience, Teresa is a passionate leader in the industry and I am delighted to announce her promotion,” said Pirri. “Wellness is a fundamental part of the guest experience, and the introduction of this new leadership role reflects Dorchester Collection’s commitment to a global wellness and spa strategy.”
