Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world’s leading luxury hospitality company, has appointed Gilbert Ghostine, CEO of Firmenich, to its Board of Directors, representing long-term shareholder Cascade Investment.
With over 35 years of global leadership experience across B2C and B2B organisations, Ghostine has a strong and sustained record of delivering profitable growth to public and private companies. As CEO of Geneva-based Firmenich, the largest privately owned perfume and taste company in the world, Ghostine has helmed innovative and purpose-driven strategies with measurable results since 2014. Notably, Firmenich was the first in its industry to employ AI-powered creation solutions and e-commerce platforms. Recognised as one of 2022 World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere, Firmenich has also become an acclaimed global leader in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance under Ghostine’s leadership.
“In addition to his proven ability to drive organic growth and create value across global organisations, Gilbert is a principled leader with a clear vision that aligns with Four Seasons’ global growth strategy for preserving, growing and enhancing the renowned luxury brand,” said Michael Larson, Chief Investment Officer of Cascade Investment, Four Season’s majority shareholder. “As Four Seasons continues the transformation of its digital ecosystem for an enhanced guest experience, Gilbert’s foresight and expertise will be invaluable.”
Over the past eight years of serving as the company’s first non-family member CEO, Ghostine has guided Firmenich through a period of continuous industry-leading growth. The company completed 14 acquisitions during his tenure and now employs 10,000 people globally. Ghostine has also pushed world-class research, creativity and winning performance for customers across the organisation while keeping Firmenich’s culture firmly rooted in its core values as a responsible business.
“It is an honour to join the Four Seasons Board of Directors,” said Ghostine. “As the company continuously elevates its iconic luxury brand, I look forward to leveraging my deep consumer experience and ESG leadership to collaborate with fellow Board members and the Executive Team through Four Seasons’ next phase of strategic growth and development.”
Prior to leading Firmenich, Gilbert worked for Diageo, the world’s top premium spirits company, for over two decades in senior leadership roles across Africa, Asia, the United States and Europe. He holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Saint Joseph University, Lebanon and completed Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.
