Dorchester Collection appoints new president
He was granted the Freedom of the City of London in honour of his contribution to the hotel industry
The Dorchester Collection has announced that its CEO, Christopher Cowdray, will be promoted to the role of president on 1 July 2023, 15 years after he officially established the company as a global luxury hotel management company.
Working closely with the board of directors of Dorchester Collection, his new role will ensure that “the incisive vision, deeply embedded culture, robust financial performance and strategic growth of Dorchester Collection are maintained, while spearheading all development and renovation projects”.
Cowdray has over 40 years of extensive global experience.
He has managed and developed hotels in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, Europe, UK, and USA.
During his time in London, he brought about “sensitive change and modernisation” at two of London’s heritage hotels, Claridge’s and The Dorchester.
He was granted the Freedom of the City of London in honour of his contribution to the hotel industry.
Reporting to the board, the company’s chief customer experience officer, Helen Smith, and chief culture and operations executive, Eugenio Pirri, are promoted to the positions of joint chief executive officer, from the same date and having worked together for 12 years.
Prior to being chief customer experience officer, Smith was vice president sales and marketing for Dorchester Collection for 10 years and director of sales and marketing for The Dorchester for three years.
A graduate of Cornell University, she has been a “pioneer” in the luxury hotel industry having worked in key management positions for Sheraton, The Lanesborough, Four Seasons and Skibo Castle.
Meanwhile, Pirri has dedicated his 30-year career to “ensuring that people are the cornerstone of every business decision”.
Pirri joined Dorchester Collection in 2011 as vice president, people and organisational development from his previous position as regional HR director of Fairmont Hotels and Resort.
He was appointed chief people and culture officer in 2017 and then onto his current chief culture and operational executive role in 2021, where he directs all aspects of hotel operations, culture, guest engagement and ESG.
Commenting on the restructure, Cowdray said: “This decision ensures continuity of our legendary culture rooted deeply in the community, and allows two of Dorchester Collection’s most senior, long-standing executives and leaders in their field to step up.
“The company will benefit from their distinct and ideal combined skill sets of strategic vision, guest and employee-centric focus, and analytical decision making.”
