Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel

Four Seasons Tenure

• Since 2005
• First Four Seasons Assignment: Assistant Restaurant Manager, Four Seasons Hotel New York

Employment History

• Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara; Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown; Four Seasons Hotel Chicago; Four Seasons Hotel New York; Renaissance Washington, DC; Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts from Nicholls State University, Master’s Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of New Orleans

Birthplace

• Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA

Languages Spoken

• English

Maybe Melissa Sims was born with drive or it was self-taught. Perhaps it’s a bit of both! But one thing is for certain: her insatiable desire to find ways to instill teamwork into all those around her is admirable. “I played basketball for a large portion of my life and have always been drawn to jobs that are team-oriented,” says Melissa. Thus her choice to work in hotels was no surprise to her family members.

To help set the scene, we’ll take you back to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Melissa’s home town, where she started her illustrious career in the kitchens of the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans after graduating with a Bachelor of Science from culinary school at Nicholls State University. Ever the multitasker, while working her way up through the ranks of the kitchen she began studying for her Master’s Degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management at the University of New Orleans. Upon receiving this additional degree, she was selected by Marriott International to become a part of their manager-in-training program and was sent to Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel where she trained as a restaurant manager. “I loved this job because I was able to apply my learned skills of working together in the kitchen, to the front of house. It was really wonderful watching an entire operation come together to create exceptional experiences for guests.”

Yearning to return to the luxury realm, Melissa started her Four Seasons journey at Four Seasons Hotel New York in 2005 as an assistant restaurant manager. A year later, she was ready to stretch out of her comfort zone and immerse herself in learning, development and quality assurance, taking on the role of Learning Manager.

As her experience grew (as well as her accreditations, which include SHRM-SCP - Senior Certified Professional of Human Resources, as well as SPHR - Senior Professional of Human Resources), so did her position title. She went from Senior Learning Manager to Assistant Director of Human Resources before being promoted to Director of Human Resources at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.

After two productive years in Chicago, Melissa moved back to New York to open Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown. Upon completion of a successful opening, Melissa set her sights on getting back into the hotel operation and transferred as Resort Manager to Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, North San Diego, before coming to Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel as Hotel Manager. In this role, Melissa oversees the rooms division, refurbishment projects, the spa, as well as the food and beverage division. Sounds like too much for one person to handle? Not for Melissa! “I’m a workhorse so I thrive on being busy. Plus, it affords me the opportunity to get to work with all of my colleagues. It’s win-win for me!”

Melissa and her husband Brent, live in Beverly Hills with their children Guy and Evangeline. When not at work, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family, reading and cheering for her favourite football teams the LSU Tigers and the New Orleans Saints. As a classically trained chef, Melissa still enjoys cooking at home with the family. “It is just far messier now with the kiddos,” she jokes. And yes, even in her kitchen at home, she encourages working together to get the job – or dish - done.