Robert Fritz Named New Executive Chairman of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

In a significant leadership transition for the global ultra-luxury hospitality sector, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has named Robert Fritz as its new Executive Chairman. Concurrently, the company’s legendary founder, Isadore Sharp, will transition into the role of Chairman Emeritus, marking a new chapter in the brand’s 65-year history.

A Strategic Leader at the Helm

Mr Fritz is a long-standing executive with Cascade Investment, the majority shareholder of Four Seasons. His deep familiarity with the brand’s long-term vision is well-established, having served as Lead Director on the Four Seasons Board since 2022. In that role, he worked hand-in-hand with the executive team to shape the company’s forward-looking strategic roadmap.

In his new capacity as Executive Chairman, Mr Fritz will head the board and collaborate closely with Alejandro Reynal, President and Chief Executive Officer of Four Seasons. Together with the executive leadership team, Fritz will guide the company’s long-term strategic direction, ensuring that the brand maintains its uncontested position at the apex of global luxury hospitality.

“Long-term decision making and a people-centric culture will continue to guide this company forward and add value to all of our stakeholders,” noted Mr Fritz regarding his appointment.

Preserving the Legacy of the ‘Golden Rule’

As Chairman Emeritus, Isadore “Issy” Sharp will remain intimately connected to the iconic brand he built from the ground up more than six decades ago. Throughout his historic career, Mr Sharp has been widely celebrated for pioneering a corporate culture built entirely upon the “Golden Rule”—treating others as one would wish to be treated. He will continue to represent the brand, engage with its global workforce, and protect this foundational philosophy.

“Robert and I have long been aligned on what makes Four Seasons special: Its people,” said Mr Sharp. “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.”

Unifying Shareholder Support

The structural shift enjoys unanimous praise and backing from the company’s core stakeholders. Four Seasons remains privately held, supported by an aligned investor base composed of Cascade Investment, L.L.C., Kingdom Holding Company, and Isadore Sharp (via Triples Holdings Limited).

• Michael Larson (Chief Investment Officer, Cascade Investment): “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.”

• Sarmad Zok (CEO, Kingdom Hotel Investments): “Kingdom has been a committed investor in Four Seasons since 1994, and we have seen the company grow into the defining name in global luxury hospitality. We warmly welcome Robert Fritz as Executive Chairman and extend our deepest respect to Isadore Sharp.”

• Alejandro Reynal (President & CEO, Four Seasons): “Robert has been a deeply engaged and trusted partner to me and our leadership team. He shares our long-term view and our commitment to leading with intention, protecting what defines Four Seasons as we continue to grow.”

With more than 130 ultra-luxury properties currently operating worldwide and a highly ambitious global pipeline, Four Seasons continues to balance purposeful modern growth with the classic principles of service excellence that have defined the brand since its inception.

All figures, data and information are correct as original press release on 14 May 2026