Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest

Four Seasons Tenure

• Since 2014
• First Four Seasons Assignment: Director of Sales, Four Seasons Hotel Moscow (formerly a Four Seasons hotel)

Employment History

• Four Seasons Hotel Doha; Four Seasons Hotel Moscow (formerly a Four Seasons hotel); Marriott Hotels

Education

• Master’s Degree, History, Saint Petersburg State University

Birthplace

• St. Petersburg, Russia

Languages Spoken

• Russian, English, French (conversational)

A strategic and dedicated leader, Julia Selyukova is driven by a passion for creating meaningful connections and unforgettable guest experiences. Her career has spanned sales, marketing, and operations, giving her a broad perspective on hotel management and service excellence. She has successfully led teams through high-profile global events, demonstrating her ability to navigate complex environments while maintaining the highest standards of hospitality.

Now in Central Europe, Julia is committed to ensuring Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest remains the pinnacle of luxury hospitality in Budapest, evolving with the city and driving new opportunities for growth. “Budapest has exceeded my expectations in every way. Whether I’m crossing the Chain Bridge on my daily walks, exploring the Buda Castle district, visiting the city’s famed thermal baths, attending a performance at the iconic Opera House, or experiencing the charm of the renowned wineries of the Tokaj region, I find myself constantly inspired. I want our guests to experience that same sense of discovery and connection.”

With Budapest rapidly evolving through new developments, a changing skyline, and international events such as the World Athletics Championship, Chess Olympiad, and upcoming UEFA European Championship, Julia sees this as an exciting time for the property. Her goal is to ensure the hotel remains at the centre of this transformation, offering guests an experience that reflects both the city’s heritage and its dynamic future.

Julia’s introduction to hospitality began while studying history at Saint Petersburg State University. Though she briefly worked in television journalism, she was drawn to the hospitality industry’s unique ability to blend storytelling, service, and cultural exchange. She started as a receptionist at a local hotel, later moving into sales and marketing roles with major international brands.

In 2014, Julia joined Four Seasons as Director of Sales at the former Four Seasons Hotel Moscow, where she played an integral role in preparing the hotel for one of its most high-profile events, the 2018 FIFA World Cup. As Director of Marketing, she led commercial strategy, guest experience, and employee initiatives, ensuring the hotel met the demands of this global event. She later expanded her focus, transitioning to Hotel Manager, where she built operational expertise by training at several flagship Four Seasons properties across Europe and the Middle East, preparing her for her next leadership role.

Following the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Julia arrived at Four Seasons Hotel Doha as Hotel Manager, stepping into a leadership role at a pivotal time for the property. She focused on refining guest experiences and ensuring the hotel remained a leader in Qatar’s evolving hospitality scene.

Leading a 700-member team from more than 60 nationalities, Julia fostered seamless collaboration across all departments. Her ability to bring together such a diverse team was key to maintaining service excellence at the property. She also oversaw 10 food and beverage outlets, including world-class dining destinations such as the world’s largest Nobu restaurant and Curiosa by Jean-Georges. Managing such a diverse and complex operation required both strategic oversight and an unwavering commitment to service excellence, a challenge she embraced wholeheartedly.

A strong advocate for team development, she believes in leading by example. “It’s a two-way process - I can guide my team, but I also have to embody the same standards I expect from them.” Julia sees leadership as more than just setting expectations - it’s about creating an environment where people feel supported, challenged, and empowered to grow.

With experience spanning commercial leadership, operations, and team development, Julia is committed to maintaining Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace as a symbol of excellence, where guests can experience both timeless elegance and the dynamic energy of Budapest.

Outside of work, Julia enjoys immersing herself in Budapest’s cultural and natural beauty - whether it’s discovering hidden corners of the city, taking long walks along the Danube, or escaping to Normafa, a breathtaking oasis in the Buda Hills with scenic trails and stunning views. It’s a favourite retreat of hers, one she often recommends to guests seeking nature and a different side of Budapest.

She also values time spent embracing the city’s vibrant café culture and historic landmarks. "Seeing the Budapest skyline lit up at night, I’m in awe of its beauty and energy. It’s a city that continues to inspire me, and I feel lucky to call it home."