Melissa Sims

Four Seasons Tenure

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

Employment History

• Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe; Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel; 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

“Seeing how people come together to achieve personal and professional excellence inspires me and is what pushes me to do the same,” says Melissa Sims, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Jacksonville.

Sims brings a well-rounded hospitality perspective to her role, shaped by curiosity and commitment to creating meaningful guest and employee experiences.

After beginning her career with aspirations of becoming an executive chef, Sims started her Four Seasons journey over two decades ago in an Assistant Restaurant Manager role at Four Seasons Hotel New York, before moving into the Learning and Development Manager role at the Hotel. This led her to Director of People and Culture roles in Chicago and New York, where she was part of the opening team for Four Seasons New York Downtown.

Sims later returned to operations to further develop herself and her knowledge, first as Resort Manager in San Diego, then Hotel Manager at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel. Most recently, she served as General Manager at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe for two years.

Now she's channeling her breadth of experience into a new milestone: the opening of Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Jacksonville. Drawn not only by the opportunity to lead a landmark opening, Sims was equally inspired by the city itself, a place she believes offers an exceptional quality of life, a strong sense of community and a distinctive character all its own.

"The energy of an opening is unmatched," says Sims. "But what excites me most about Jacksonville is the opportunity to become part of this community. It's a beautiful place to live, raise a family and build meaningful connections. There's a genuine warmth here that you feel immediately, and I'm grateful to begin this next chapter alongside the people who call Jacksonville home."

Her leadership approach is grounded in collaboration and the belief that a clear vision can serve as a guiding force for every decision. For Jacksonville, that vision begins with celebrating what already makes the city exceptional and creating opportunities for employees, residents and guests to experience it in new ways.

"Jacksonville already offers so much," says Sims. "Our role is not to change what makes this city special, but to complement it. We have an incredible opportunity to bring the care, service and culture of Four Seasons to a community that already values authenticity, connection and quality. If we can help elevate experiences while showcasing the remarkable hospitality that already exists here, we'll have accomplished something truly meaningful."

As she prepares to lead the opening, Sims is energized by the chance to build a team that reflects the spirit of the city itself while creating a destination that feels deeply connected to Jacksonville's future. She sees Four Seasons not as a standalone addition, but as a natural extension of the momentum, pride and sense of possibility already shaping Downtown Jacksonville.

"Jacksonville is already a remarkable destination. Our opportunity is to build on that momentum by creating experiences that feel truly exceptional while remaining connected to the character and values that make this community so special."

Outside of work, Sims is enjoying discovering her new hometown alongside her husband, Brent, and their three children, Guy Thomas, Evangeline (Evie) Rose and Vincent Henry. From exploring local neighbourhoods and beaches to embracing the Duval spirit, she is grateful for the opportunity to become part of the Jacksonville community she now proudly calls home.