Counting down to its opening later this year, Four Seasons introduces the General Manager and senior executive team of the all-new Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, its first hotel in the UAE capital.
Led by Four Seasons veteran Sam Ioannidis in his second assignment as a General Manager, the team includes an international cast of hospitality professionals who will oversee more than 450 hand-picked staff.
“Four Seasons is known the world over for the customised, personal service we offer to each and every guest, and Sam is the ideal person to introduce Four Seasons to Abu Dhabi,” says Christian Clerc, President, Hotel Operations – Europe, Middle East and Africa. “While putting the finishing touches on our new hotel, his carefully chosen team is already reaching out to our global clients, making connections in the community and preparing to welcome our first guests in the coming months.”
Ali Eid AlMheiri, Executive Director, Mubadala Real Estate & Infrastructure, the hotel developer that is also the developer of Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi’s business and lifestyle destination, comments: “We are delighted with the appointment of Sam Ioannidis as General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island. He is one of the most experienced and successful Four Seasons hoteliers, which reflects the significance of this Hotel within the Four Seasons global portfolio, and bolsters Al Maryah Island’s hospitality offering. I look forward to working with Sam and his senior executive team to deliver truly memorable experiences to visitors, whether for business or pleasure.”
Ioannidis arrives more recently from Four Seasons Hotel Baku in Azerbaijan, and has previously held Four Seasons positions throughout Canada and the US since he first joined the company in Toronto 18 years ago.
“It’s a truly exciting time for Four Seasons as we continue to expand into new markets and introduce new concepts in luxury hospitality on the world stage,” says Ioannidis. “And I’m delighted to introduce the team who will bring it all to life at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi.”
- Andrea Greybanks, Director of Marketing – New to Four Seasons, Greybanks is no stranger to the region, having worked for several international hotel companies in the Middle East for more than ten years. Originally from the UK, she is an exceptional sales and marketing professional with strong contacts all over the world.
- Francisco Garcia, Director of Rooms – Originally from Spain, Garcia has been with Four Seasons since 2000, rising through the ranks in sales and marketing and revenue management. Now overseeing much of the guest experience at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, the multi-lingual hotelier is also a graduate of the prestigious hotel management program at Cornell University.
- Jose Ramirez, Director of Human Resources – Charged with personally interviewing every candidate to find those special people who are now becoming the staff at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, Ramirez was most recently at the flagship Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, and has previously worked at Four SeasonsHotel Doha.
- James Carter, Director of Residences – The UK native joined the company in Palo Alto, California in 2008, and after successive positions in the rooms divisions of several Four Seasons locations, he’s now overseeing the service team for the 53 long term-lease apartments and 71 Private Residences that are part of Four SeasonsHotel Abu Dhabi.
- George Chapides, Director of Engineering – An expert in hotel pre-openings, Chapides now takes care of the one million square foot (93,000 square metre) Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, one of the most technologically and environmentally advanced buildings in the city.
- Sandeep Kumar – Director of Food and Beverage – Kumar’s extensive Four Seasons experience – and his love of cooking – make him the perfect person to lead the culinary and service teams for six restaurants and lounges plus the large catering operation at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi.
- Thurshara Gamage – Director of Finance – An eight-year Four Seasons veteran who joined the company in the Maldives, Gamage most recently led the finance team in Baku, where he also worked with Ioannidis.
