Fitness club firm Equinox Holdings has named Christopher Norton, the current chief operating operator of Four Seasons Hotels, as the first CEO of its recently-established hotel brand.
Norton will begin in the autumn and will oversee all operations and lead future growth strategy.
"We are thrilled to have Christopher on board, he is one of the most qualified global hotel executives and will work closely with Josh Wyatt, who recently joined as president, in guiding our vision and unique opportunity in the hospitality sector," said Harvey Spevak, CEO of Equinox and executive chairman of the hospitality unit.
"Christopher has a great appreciation for what makes a unique guest experience, a strong design sensibility and an understanding of the types of experiences customers will expect of luxury hotel brands."
According to the Wall Street Journal, Equinox’ majority owner property developer Related Cos. is investing or raising ‘several billions of dollars’ to acquire hotel real estate.
The first hotel is under construction on Manhattan’s west side and is slated to open in 2019.
All Equinox hotels will have a strong focus on wellness.
The company’s long term goal is to open about 75 hotels worldwide.
Equinox operates 82 full-service fitness clubs in the US, Canada and the UK.
