Four Seasons Hotels and Resort, continues to advance its product and design leadership with the addition of two strategic new hires. The appointments of John H. Miller, Senior Vice President Design and Construction, and Eileen Madigan, Vice President, Creative build on the world-class Four Seasons design, construction and product teams, whose focus on the integral role of great design in elevating the guest experience has set the standard in luxury hospitality for more than 50 years.
“Understanding how our guests move through a space – how they engage with light, sound and technology and also how they interact with each other and our employees -allows us to create guest-centric spaces of exceptional quality that are relevant and beautiful, and also highly functional,” says Christopher W. Norton, President, Global Product and Operations, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
With a global portfolio of 93 properties in 39 countries, Four Seasons operates many of the world’s most striking hotels, resorts and branded residences. From the sky-scraping tower of Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay and the upcoming Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, to the grandeur and modern luxury of the legendary Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, the frescoed ceilings of Four Seasons Hotel Firenze or the Beaux-Arts landmark La Mansión at Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires, Four Seasons properties around the world are unique and graceful complements to their locales, inspiring buildings and spaces that appeal to the sensibilities of today’s luxury traveller.
“We have a very clear design vision for the brand, one that strives for the best representation of Four Seasons in every market where we operate, whether through new builds, conversions or renovations,” continues Norton. “Ensuring we have the right leadership and talent in place to realise this vision and support the team’s goals and growth plans around the world is essential. Both John’s and Eileen’s global experience and deep understanding of the luxury traveller are powerful assets as we extend our market leadership and confidently articulate the product aspirations of the brand.”
John H. Miller – Senior Vice President, Design and Construction
As Senior Vice President, Design and Construction, John H. Miller brings more than 25 years of industry-leading experience in luxury hospitality, most recently as vice president, design and construction, Asia-Pacific with MGM Resorts International. Prior to joining MGM, John spent more than 22 years with the Peninsula Hotels group, where as head of the design and planning function he managed hotel projects throughout the world, including new builds, major renovations and the development of group sustainability practices.
In his new role, Miller oversees all aspects of Four Seasons design and construction globally, upholding an aesthetic and structural standard for current and future developments, one which complements the indigenous architecture that makes each Four Seasons property authentic and unique.
Commenting on his new role, Miller says, “This is an exciting time to join the renowned Four Seasons design and construction team as we capitalise on the tremendous opportunities ahead and advance a trifecta mindset – one where development, design and operations work together to deliver best-in-class luxury hotels, resorts and residences around the world.”
Miller holds a dual degree from the University of Pennsylvania – a Bachelor of Arts in Design of Environment (Architecture), and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil and Urban Engineering.
Eileen Madigan – Vice President, Creative
In May, Eileen Madigan joined Four Seasons in the newly created role of Vice President, Creative. A graduate of Drexel University with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, Madigan brings more than 25 years of design experience in the hospitality industry, most recently as corporate director for interior design at Rosewood Hotels and Resorts.
In her new role, Madigan works closely with Four Seasons interior design and capital planning and procurement teams as well as properties across the portfolio to provide a consistent design voice through the curation of operating supplies and consumables, a critical component in setting the tone and feel of all Four Seasons properties.
“True luxury is found in the thoughtfully-curated details that are aesthetically understated and purposeful, evoking the guest senses and curiosity,” says Madigan. “By focusing on these important touches with an eye to the broader Four Seasons design aesthetic and working collaboratively with properties and corporate teams across the organisation, we will continue to strengthen our holistic design approach.”
Both Miller and Madigan have relocated to Four Seasons headquarters in Toronto, Canada and report directly to Christopher W. Norton, whose promotion to President, Global Product and Operations in early 2014 reflects greater alignment between product and service delivery across the organisation.
“Much like the symbiotic relationship between form and function, product and service excellence are also interdependent. To meet the individual needs of today’s luxury traveller we must deliver authentic and highly personalised service against the backdrop of relevant and vibrant spaces,” says Norton. “Legendary Four Seasons service is what makes our hotels come alive in genuine, memorable ways – service that is not only consistent and flawless but that inspires and captivates.”
