It’s not every general manager who feels as comfortable running an award-winning hotel as they do strutting their stuff on stage, but for Simon Casson, it’s as good a release as any. “I have always enjoyed singing, and sang with bands when growing up,” he says. “I’ve sung at most annual staff parties with Four Seasons over the years, impersonating British greats such as Freddie Mercury, Rod Stewart and Elton John.”

During his more than two decades with Four Seasons, Casson has learned that leadership is about creating a comfortable and supportive environment that allows the team to be the best it can be. But to begin with, there has to be that little bit of magic.

“I look for passion and attitude in all new employees,” explains Casson, who oversees a team of 600 from nearly 40 different countries at Four Seasons Hotel Doha. “I can tell by the sparkle in their eye whether they want to share in my vision of making the Hotel a world-class establishment.”

Before a hotel can be world-class, however, Casson believes it has to earn the respect of its local community. While hotel manager of Four Seasons Hotel London, Casson was named Considerate Hotelier of the Year (by Caterer and Hotelkeeper magazine) as the chair of the Hotel’s environmental committee and was also made a Freeman of the City of London for his charitable works.

In Doha, he actively encourages participation in a wide range of community events, from partnering with the prestigious Doha Golf Open to offering placements through local schools. He also sits on the boards of Doha College and Enderun University, Philippines. In 2012, he was named among the "Most Powerful Hoteliers in the Middle East."

Casson’s move to Doha in 2004 fulfilled a career-long goal “to be a general manager with Four Seasons.” Recently, he was named Chair of the company's Global Spa Task Force, leading a 20-member committee that oversees award winning Four Seasons Spas around the world.

When away from the Hotel, he likes to play golf and tennis and ride his KTM motorbike in the desert. With three children, his weekends are always full of “swimming, fun on the beach, school activities and various sports” – not to mention karaoke and the inevitable impromptu singing performances at family barbecues.

Casson’s vocal talents run in the family: His brother is a singer-songwriter based in the United States, and now his son is also showing promise, having “aced his first solo performance in his school production of Hairspray.” Seems like there might soon be a contender for Dad’s crown.