Four Seasons Hotel Baku, Azerbaijan

Four Seasons Tenure

• Since 2007
• First Four Seasons Assignment: Catering Sales Executive at Four Seasons Hotel Doha

Employment History

• Four Seasons Hotel Tunis; Four Seasons Hotel Doha

Education

• Master of Business Administration - University of Wollongong, UAE; Bachelor in Tourism & Hotel Management, Alexandria University, Egypt  

Birthplace

• Aswan, Egypt

Languages Spoken

• Arabic, English, German, French, Italian

"Personality can open doors, but only character can keep them open." It's a philosophy that has quietly shaped Shady Abdelaziz's approach to both hospitality and leadership.

Throughout more than two decades in luxury hospitality, he has come to believe that while commercial success is driven by strategy and innovation, lasting relationships are built on integrity, trust and genuine human connection. "For me, commercial success has never been just about numbers," he explains. "It's about understanding people and their aspirations, motivations and the relationships you build along the way. When your team feels empowered and your partners feel valued, sustainable growth naturally follows."

Growing up in Cairo, Egypt, Shady was drawn to hospitality for its unique ability to bring together people from different cultures and backgrounds. That fascination evolved into an international career spanning the Middle East, North Africa and Europe, where each destination offered new perspectives on leadership, collaboration and the evolving expectations of luxury hospitality.

After earning a Bachelor's degree in Hotel Management from Alexandria University and later completing an MBA with Distinction from the University of Wollongong in Dubai, he began his Four Seasons journey in 2007 at Four Seasons Hotel Doha. Starting in Catering before progressing into commercial leadership, he played an integral role in strengthening the hotel's position across international markets while contributing to one of its most successful periods of growth.

His expertise was later recognised through a task force assignment at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, further enriching his experience at one of the brand's most iconic properties.

As his career evolved, so too did his perspective on leadership. For Shady, commercial strategy extends well beyond market performance; it is about creating an environment where people feel inspired to think differently, embrace opportunity and grow together. Passionate about mentoring future leaders and cultivating collaborative teams, he believes that the strongest results are achieved when trust is built first and success follows naturally.

That philosophy continues to guide him in his role as Commercial Director at Four Seasons Hotel Baku, where he joined the team in May 2026. Working closely with colleagues across Sales, Marketing, Revenue, Reservations and Catering, he leads the hotel's commercial vision with a focus on thoughtful innovation, meaningful partnerships and creating long-term value for both guests and the destination.

For Shady, every new chapter presents an opportunity to learn, evolve and raise the bar a little higher than before. Guided by curiosity, resilience and a commitment to continuous growth, he believes the most rewarding journeys are those that never stop challenging you to become a better leader, colleague and partner.

Away from the hotel, he enjoys creating lasting memories with his family, travelling and discovering new cultures. As he begins his journey in Baku, he has already developed a deep appreciation for the city's character, welcoming spirit and culinary traditions, with many more discoveries still to come.