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Two major travel figures leaving the business
Isadore Sharp and Terry Dale, legendary figures in the travel industry’s hotel and cruise business, are both stepping down — creating questions about their successors.
In fact, Four Seasons has announced that Kathleen Taylor, 52, on August 1 will take on the new title of CEO as founder Sharp transitions from his long-time role.
“Taylor’s promotion will make her the only female chief among the big luxury hotel companies, including Ritz-Carlton and Starwood’s group that includes the St. Regis chain,” according to a news release.
As for Dale, his unexpected resignation as CEO and president of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) was something of a surprise, though perhaps it should not have been.
This is not the first time Dale has left a position without having another job lined up, he pointed out to reporters during a recent meeting in New York. He said he has several offers.
In the case of Taylor, Sharp has been grooming her for years to be his successor, so that’s no surprise.
Taylor has been the company’s president and chief operating officer for about three years. She joined the company in 1989 as a corporate counsel.
Sharp will remain the company’s chairman of the board and continue to be involved in the company, it says in a statement.
“He’ll retain oversight on the creative side of the business, such as the design and aesthetics of existing hotels. He’ll also continue to represent Four Seasons as its goodwill ambassador with partners, employees and customers,” the statement says.
Sharp started Four Seasons with a modest motor inn in Toronto in 1961.
His business formula has been to focus on four pillars: quality, service, culture and brand.
Four Seasons operates 82 luxury hotels around the world and another 50 in the development phase, including one in the early stages at Walt Disney World.
Other major travel positions are also unfilled: No one has yet to fill the top slot following the death of President Bob Whitley of USTOA and ARC President and CEO R.B. Collins also announced his own retirement.
By David Wilkening
David
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