Simon Casson is a globally respected hospitality leader with over four decades of experience shaping the world’s most iconic luxury hotel brands. As former CEO of Corinthia Hotels, he led the brand’s global business,performance, and expansion, driving landmark developments in key international destinations.
Previously, as President EMEA at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Simon oversaw a portfolio of 40+ operating hotels and 30 in development across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, leading over 15,000 employees and contributing to some of the region’s most celebrated luxury projects.
Based between Dubai, Croatia, and London, Simon is known for his people centric & highly authentic leadership. A charismatic & compelling communicator he provides clear strategic vision and commercial acumen supporting exceptional guest experiences rooted in humanity, design, culture, and detail.
A true servant leader and culture-builder, he is recognised for developing high-performing teams and empowering talent through mentorship and personalised coaching.
Today, as founder of Casson Advisory, Simon partners with owners, brands, and leadership teams to shape the next generation of luxury — through bespoke advisory, board roles, and high-level speaking engagements.
Overview
Simon provides discreet, high-level advisory & support services for Companies in a collaborative & emotionally intelligent way; supporting leaders in delivering the right outcomes across all spheres of luxury. His approach, supported by his deep network across 4 continents, enables delivery of practical, organisational excellence, developing strategic clarity, building high performing teams and a deep understanding of what defines true luxury in both guest & employee experiences.
Advisory
Supporting executives in building high-performing teams, strengthening leadership presence, and creating a collaborative culture of excellence that consistently delivers at the highest level. Insightful commercial support on Hotel acquisition, Development Projects, Operator Selection and the journey of a hotel deal from signing through to opening and beyond.
Board | NED
With over four decades of global experience in hospitality and customer-centric businesses, as a C Suite leader, I bring deep operational insight alongside strategic perspective. I understand the importance of brand, culture and service excellence in driving performance, and I am experienced in leading teams & driving growth and strategic outcomes in complex environments. At board level, I provide and independent perspective through thoughtful challenge, informed judgement and a strong focus on people, guest experience and long-term value creation. All aligned to support executive teams to deliver sustainable growth and stakeholder value.
Public Speaking
A sought after public speaker Simon delivers compelling content in the areas of leadership & self development, culture led organisations and delivery of luxury guest experiences. Aside from delivering hundreds of talks over his years with Four Seasons & Corinthia, Simon has delivered keynotes for a variety of companies including Pret a Manger, Silversea Cruises, RAK Bank, Saudi Healthcare, Wavelength as well as several University graduation addresses. A regular guest on podcasts such as Conscious Hospitality., re, re
Contact
If you are exploring opportunities in luxury, hospitality, leadership, or strategic growth, Simon welcomes a confidential conversation. All inquiries are treated with discretion and care.
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore.Dream.Discover.
– Mark Twain