First direct sales event demonstrates Four Seasons commitment to the region, as part of an integrated Middle East and international sales effort

Dubai, UAE, 14 April 2010 - Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts announces the appointment of Jane Burnell as new Regional Vice President of Sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). 

Burnell accompanies Jim FitzGibbon, President of Worldwide Hotel Operations, and David Crowl, VP Sales and Marketing, EMEA, on Four Seasons first direct sales event in the Middle East, aimed at strengthening key business partnerships in the region. Thus far the visit has included a client recognition event in Kuwait followed by a stopover in Riyadh and sales development workshops taking place in Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

In her new role, Burnell will provide guidance and support to the Four Seasons regional sales teams that are based in Dubai and Riyadh and will regularly travel to the region to further cement key business partnerships.

"Approaching 50 years of operation, with an expanding portfolio of 83 hotels in 35 countries, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts entered the region with Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence - due to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2010," said David Crowl, Vice President Sales & Marketing EMEA. 

"Today, Four Seasons has nine properties in the region, the most recent addition being Four Seasons Hotel Beirut which opened its doors in January this year.  As Four Seasons presence in the Middle East continues to grow, we are focussed on further strengthening our dedicated sales arm, as part of our commitment to the region as well as an integrated Middle East and international sales effort."

"Jane Burnell's well-deserved appointment is significant within the context of enduring opportunities for expansion within the Middle East and further underpins Four Seasons' efforts to nurture regional awareness of the Four Seasons brand, our properties of enduring value and our deeply instilled ethic of personal service", he concluded.

"This is an inspiring time for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, as business travel demand increases, along with an evolving leisure sector seeking a sophisticated and refined travel experience. I thrive on new prospects that are presented, and I relish the opportunity to work with David Crowl, our Regional Vice President of Sales & Marketing, and our sales teams in these three regions.  I will be supporting their efforts to explore new markets and further penetrate existing areas of operation and working closely with valued key partners to selectively exploit our targeted opportunities," says Jane Burnell, Regional Vice President of Sales, EMEA.

"As a market with massive potential for regional and outbound sales, I look forward to communicating to the region our core values of perfecting the travel and dining experience that is personified by our employees. Our people have built an unrivalled depth of reliability, trust and connection with our guests - a personalized connection that only continues to grow stronger," added Burnell.

Four Seasons is set to continue establishing a new standard of service and quality in the region with a number of new projects in development.  Middle East markets with Four Seasons properties in the pipeline include Oman (due to open in 2012 -13), Egypt (Luxor, in 2013), and Qatar (a second Four Seasons property is due to open in Doha in 2013 - 14) while Four Seasons openings are also expected in Bahrain and Kuwait over the next five years.  Further a field, the much anticipated opening of Four Seasons Hotel in Marrakech is due to take place in early 2011.

Jane Burnell joined Four Seasons in 2000 as Regional Director of Sales for the UK.  In 2004 she was promoted to Regional Director of Sales for Europe and shortly thereafter in 2005, her rapid progression continued with an appointment as Regional Director of Sales for Europe, the Middle East & Africa, a position she held for 5 years. 

It has been Burnell's open and fair work ethos that has paved the way for such impressive career progression. When asked about the secret to success, Burnell's answer is simple:  "To put yourself in the shoes of the person sitting opposite you" and to "think ahead and be prepared to take risks". By upholding this outlook she has created and implemented sales and marketing plans that have generated millions of dollars, whilst managing five regional offices and regularly travelling the globe to represent the Four Seasons brand.

Prior to joining Four Seasons, Burnell was backed by a decade of experience within the hospitality industry.  Now, over 20 years later and relishing her new appointment as Four Seasons Vice President of Sales for EMEA, she remains as inspired as ever. 

-Ends- 

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
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 personalised 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. Currently with 83 properties in 35 countries, and more than 40 projects under development, Four Seasons continues to lead the hospitality industry with innovative enhancements, making business travel easier and leisure travel more rewarding.  For more information on Four Seasons, visit http://press.fourseasons.com

For more information please contact:
Farah Ibrahim
TRACCS
Tel: +9714 3672530
TRACCS 24/7 Media Hotline: +97150 9448389
Email: farah.ibrahim@traccs.net  

Sorya Gaulin
Director, Corporate Public Relations
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Toronto
Tel: +1.416.441.4767
Email: sorya.gaulin@fourseasons.com

© Press Release 2010