Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Thailand

Four Seasons Tenure

• Since 2013
• First Four Seasons Assignment: Director of Marketing at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai

Employment History

• Four Seasons Hotel Singapore; Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai; Taj Mahal Palace & Towers Hotel Mumbai; The Taj Mahal Hotel New Delhi

Education

• Bachelor of Arts, Lady Shriram College, New Delhi, India; Bachelor of Education, Annamalai University, India

Birthplace

• Tezpur, Assam, India

Languages Spoken

• English, Hindi

With more than two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Smriti Khandelwal serves as the Senior Director of Marketing for Four Seasons Resorts in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Koh Samui. Her illustrious career, spanning diverse cultures and geographies in India, Singapore, and Thailand, epitomizes the Four Seasons commitment to excellence, diversity, and inclusion.

Smriti's strategic prowess and business acumen have been honed across esteemed brands, crafting her into a consummate hospitality professional. Her leadership style, characterized by discipline and adaptability, reflects her rich family heritage in the military, harmonizing with the core values of Four Seasons. Smriti is adept at nurturing high-performance teams, leveraging the varied professional backgrounds and experiences that each member brings to the table.

Her tenure at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore was marked by significant achievements, including leading the property through a comprehensive repositioning and repricing strategy following an extensive renovation. This period saw record-breaking business performances under her guidance. Smriti's innovative approach was instrumental during the recovery phases of the Covid-19 pandemic, showcasing her ability to lead through adversity with creativity and resilience.

In her role, Smriti advocates for a geo-led integrated marketing strategy, emphasizing the importance of understanding guest diversity and utilizing behavioural insights and data analytics to drive both marketing and operational goals. Her leadership philosophy extends beyond her professional accomplishments: she champions the “disconnect to connect” approach, emphasizing the need for full engagement in every aspect of life. Whether focusing on work, spending time with family, or indulging in personal hobbies, Smriti believes in giving her undivided attention to the present moment. This philosophy aligns with the Four Seasons ethos of providing exceptional guest experiences while fostering a work environment that values personal well-being and work-life harmony.

Smriti's journey, marked by bold decisions and a dynamic career path, reflects her inclusive approach to leadership. She encourages open dialogue and embraces diverse perspectives within her teams, fostering an environment where innovation thrives. The support from key figures in her life, including her father and husband, underscores the significant impact of personal relationships on professional success. Smriti's ability to balance her demanding career with personal fulfillment exemplifies the Four Seasons promise of enabling employees and guests alike to connect deeply with what matters most to them.

As Smriti continues to advance her career within the Four Seasons family, her contributions and leadership style will undoubtedly shape the future of the company’s resorts in Thailand and beyond. Her strategic insight, commitment to team development, and dedication to creating memorable guest experiences remain central to her role, embodying the spirit of Four Seasons hospitality.