Michael A. Crawford Joins Four Seasons Executive Team as President, Asia Pacific

Newly created position will lead brand's strategic growth plan across the region, with particular emphasis on China; veteran hotelier William Mackay assumes oversight of hotel operations in the region

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Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Jul 24, 2014, 11:00 ET

TORONTO, July 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is pleased to announce that Michael A. Crawford will join its executive team in the newly created position of President, Asia Pacific later this month.

Reporting directly to President and Chief Executive Officer J. Allen Smith, Crawford assumes primary responsibility for all business activities in the Asia Pacific region, including implementing the company's growth plan and delivering on financial objectives associated with the strategic plan for the region.

"Mike Crawford's depth of experience in business development, operations, new product creation and brand management will be a tremendous asset to Four Seasons as we continue our strategic focus on growth in the region," says Smith. "He is an excellent cultural fit for Four Seasons, and he will be instrumental in extending our brand leadership in China and the broader Asia Pacific region."

Based in the company's corporate office in Singapore, Crawford is relocating from Shanghai, China, where he was senior vice president and general manager of the Shanghai Disney Resort and president of Walt Disney Holding Company, Shanghai. A 24-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company, his experience includes real estate, project management, hospitality and entertainment. Crawford was deeply involved in the negotiations that lead to Shanghai Disney Resort. In his most recent position, he was charged with creating the management company that will operate the Shanghai Disney Resort, which is The Walt Disney Company's sixth resort destination worldwide.

In addition, Four Seasons veteran William Mackay has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations - Asia Pacific, overseeing hotel operations in the region.

Born in England, Mackay began his Four Seasons career in San Francisco in 1982, and was most recently Regional Vice President and General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong. Under his leadership from its opening in 2005, the hotel has continued to receive international accolades, most recently 20 Forbes stars for the hotel, its spa and restaurants, and for the past several years, Michelin stars for its two signature restaurants, including Lung King Heen, the first Chinese restaurant in the world to be awarded three Michelin stars.

Working closely with Michael Crawford, Mackay is now based in Singapore and will report to Christopher W. Norton, Executive Vice President, Global Product and Operations.

"William Mackay epitomizes the modern global hotel executive with his attention to detail and passion for our business," says Norton. "His many years of on-the-floor experience and deep relationships throughout the company make him a valuable addition to our global operations leadership as we continue on a path of growth and excellence in the Asia Pacific region."

Chris Hart, previously President, Hotel Operations in the Asia Pacific region since 2011, will take on the same role in the Americas region later this summer. Earlier this year, Four Seasons announced the promotion of Christian Clerc to Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

About Four Seasons

Four Seasons is dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. From elegant surroundings of the finest quality, to caring, highly personalized 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 and residences in major city centres and desirable resort destinations around the world. With 92 properties in 38 countries, and more than 60 projects under development, Four Seasons continues to lead the hospitality industry with innovative enhancements, making business travel easier and leisure travel more rewarding.

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CONTACT: Laura Zanzal, 212-299-8955, [email protected]

SOURCE Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts