four-seasons-logoThe Economist profiles Four Seasons Hotels, founded by Canadian Isadore Sharp, in their latest issue.

Prince Alwaleed bin Talal and Bill Gates during a meeting in the George V Four Seasons Hotel in Paris.

Prince Alwaleed bin Talal and Bill Gates in the George V Four Seasons Hotel in Paris. Photo: Bloomberg

Here's the intro:

ON FEBRUARY 2nd two billionaires met Isadore Sharp, the founder of the Four Seasons hotel group, in London. What they said remains private. But three days later came the unexpected announcement that Katie Taylor, the chief executive of Four Seasons, would be leaving.

Bill Gates and Prince Alwaleed bin Talal of Saudi Arabia, the two billionaires in question, control 95% of Four Seasons through their investment arms, Cascade and Kingdom Holding respectively. They are keen to expand the business as fast as possible, to 150 hotels worldwide from the current 90. Ms Taylor apparently disappointed them.

Article: Four Seasons seeks a new boss and a faster growth strategy | Economist