Avi Phookan

General Manager

"Feel inspired by the purpose of what you set out to do in the first place. And remember to take your people with you on this journey. When your purpose is clear and you have genuine people beside you, all other hurdles are like white noise and temporary."

Four Seasons Tenure

Since 2022
Most Recent Four Seasons Assignment: General Manager, Four Seasons Resort Lanai
First Four Seasons Assignment: Resort Manager, Four Seasons Resort Lanai

Employment History

Ritz-Carlton Hotels; Marriott International; Waldorf Astoria; Kempinski Hotels and Resorts

Birthplace

Assam, India

Education

Institut Hôtelier César Ritz, Switzerland

Languages Spoken

English; Assamese; Hindi; German (Basic)

Born in Assam, India and having spent his childhood in the foothills of the Himalayas, Avi Phookan graduated from the Insitut Hôtelier César Ritz in Switzerland, a dream that began while accompanying his father as he travelled throughout India representing a tea business. Visiting distinct destinations during these visits fuelled his desire to travel and explore the world.

He continued his studies in Switzerland in Canton Valais, home to the Matterhorn and numerous luxury Alpine resorts. During his first stagiaire (apprenticeship) at a restaurant in Geneva’s Old Town, he received a Tissot watch from a guest as a tip for taking care of his family’s dinner – an incredible moment for him (the concept of it). His country count is now up to eight, having lived and worked across the US, Caribbean, Middle East and Central America, including island living in Hawaii, the Cayman Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, and San Pedro, Belize, following his time in Switzerland.

While progressing in his hospitality career he chose to focus on a food and beverage path, which led to stints on multiple pre-opening hotels and repositioning projects that provided him the opportunity to participate in the development and marketing of concepts, including restaurants and outdoor venues. This focus on effective and successful project management has proved invaluable in locations such as Doha, and Lanai, where continuous capital improvements are an integral part of the product positioning. Phookan shares, “About 60 percent of my time is devoted towards fine-tuning the components that make up the special feel and experience of our guests staying with us. My background allows me to lead with a passion for such a storied and special product in the Caribbean.”

He states his favourite part of the job is being an innkeeper, which entails balancing the various facets of the island’s operation yet having the constant curiosity and drive to keep moving the overall product forward.

While the island of Nevis is small, with about 12,000 residents, the community’s culture and a dedicated Nevis Nice team at the Resort committed to preserving and sharing its rich heritage was appealing as a destination for his family, and he welcomed the chance to live and learn in an authentic way. His journeys around the world, in culturally contrasting regions helped build important skills in the workforce, strengthening adaptability, enhancing communication, recognizing diverse talent among others.

His other passion is in the area of sustainable business practices and supporting brand and property ESG efforts. A proud sponsor of the Resort’s Four Seasons For Good Team, he looks to drive sensible and impactful initiatives across Nevis with the participation of employees, local residents, and guests alike.

Phookan makes his home in Nevis with his family that includes wife Bhargavi and Siberian Husky, Elon Husk, both of whom love the setting and terrain of Nevis, which is particularly good for exploring the unmarked trails of the island.