Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans Appoints Denise Ector Carter as Director of People and Culture

Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Orleans announces the appointment of Denise Ector Carter as Director of People and Culture. A seasoned human resource professional with more than 25 years of leadership experience across dynamic industries, Carter brings a passion for purpose-driven leadership, employee engagement, and people-first culture to New Orleans’ leading luxury hotel.

“Denise brings an inspiring blend of operational knowledge, creative leadership, and heartfelt commitment to Four Seasons,” says Esther Oh Kostecky, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans. “Her experience and authentic approach to culture-building will be instrumental as we continue to elevate both the employee and guest experience.”

Carter has called New Orleans home for most of her adult life and has cultivated a deep connection to its people and culture. She began her career in human resources at Freeport-McMoRan before advancing through progressive leadership roles at Harrah’s Casino, and later as human resources director at a major law firm during the pivotal BP oil spill response era—further solidifying her reputation as a trusted leader in high-impact environments.

Her path into hospitality began with the opening of The Troubadour Hotel New Orleans, where she played an instrumental role in establishing workplace culture and operational readiness. She later supported hotels across the country through task force leadership. Most recently, Carter served as director of people operations at Virgin Hotels New Orleans—where she helped create a vibrant and inclusive culture from opening day—and director of human resources at Omni Royal Orleans, where she fostered high performance and employee excellence across the historic French Quarter property.

In her new role, Carter oversees all aspects of the hotel’s people and culture strategy, from talent acquisition and development to employee engagement and community initiatives. Her appointment reinforces the hotel’s ongoing commitment to cultivating a workplace defined by excellence, belonging, and purpose at the forefront of luxury hospitality in the Crescent City.