Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts, a leading name in Japanese hospitality, today announced the appointment of Lee Richards as the new Chief Executive Officer of its hospitality arm outside Japan. Richards, a seasoned hospitality professional, brings over 30 years of experience in strategic growth and operational excellence to the role. He takes over from Simon Wan, who is retiring after 17 successful years at the helm of the company.
Richards will spearhead the operational excellence and expansion of Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts’ international portfolio. His role encompasses working collaboratively to achieve the goal of 250 hotels globally, including 150 properties beyond Japan, with a particular emphasis on the upscale to luxury properties.
“We are thrilled to welcome Lee Richards to the Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide family,” said Yoshiki Kaneda, Global President and CEO of Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide. “His proven track record in the hospitality industry, coupled with his passion for innovation and guest-centric approach, makes him the ideal leader to guide our global expansion.”
Richards expressed his enthusiasm about joining the company, stating, “I am honoured to be part of Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide, a company with such a rich heritage and ambitious growth plans. I am excited to lead the International Division outside Japan and work alongside the talented team to achieve our vision of becoming a globally recognized leader in hospitality.”
Richards’ previous roles at Swiss-Belhotel International and Millennium Hotels & Resorts have equipped him with valuable insights into strategic growth and operational excellence. He is committed to leveraging these experiences to drive Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts forward, focusing on key priorities such as enhancing brand awareness, delivering exceptional guest experiences, and achieving strong financial performance.
“I’m focussed on delivering our vision of Japanese hospitality values in the spirit of service of the heart – omotenashi,” Richards added. “I am dedicated to ensuring that these values are embedded in every aspect of our operations, creating unforgettable experiences for our guests around the world.”
Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts currently operates over 80 hotels, 31 golf courses, and 10 ski resorts across Japan and other international destinations. With Richards at the helm of the International Division, the company is poised to embark on an exciting new chapter of growth and expansion, with over 250 hotels in operation by 2035.
