Dorchester Collection has announced significant changes in its
leadership team. Christopher Cowdray, the current CEO of Dorchester
Collection, will assume the role of company president effective from 1
July 2023, marking 15 years since he founded the company.
In his new position, Cowdray will closely collaborate with the board
of directors to ensure the preservation of Dorchester Collection's
incisive vision, deeply embedded culture, robust financial performance,
and strategic growth. Moreover, he will spearhead all development and
renovation projects.
Joining Cowdray in this new chapter of leadership are Helen Smith,
the company's chief customer experience officer, and Eugenio Pirri, the
chief culture and operations executive. Smith and Pirri have been
promoted to the roles of joint CEOs, effective from the same date,
having worked together for 12 years within the organisation. The
joint-CEOs share a common strategic vision, mission, and values aligned
with Dorchester Collection.
Christopher Cowdray emphasised on the importance of maintaining the
company's legendary culture deeply rooted in community. He also
highlighted the unique skill sets possessed by Smith and Pirri, two
long-standing and highly experienced executives. Their combined
strengths in strategic vision, guest and employee-centric focus, and
analytical decision-making are expected to benefit the company
tremendously.
With over four decades of global experience in the hospitality
industry, Christopher Cowdray has successfully managed and developed
hotels across various continents. Notably, his tenure in London saw
significant transformations and modernization efforts at two iconic
heritage hotels, Claridge's and The Dorchester.
Helen Smith, who joined Dorchester Collection in 2005, has played a
pivotal role in elevating the brand's status. Throughout her career,
Smith has remained the driving force behind the conceptualisation and
execution of the Dorchester Collection brand. Smith boasts a decade of
experience as the vice president of sales and marketing for Dorchester
Collection and three years as the director of sales and marketing for
The Dorchester. Her prior positions include key management roles at
Sheraton, The Lanesborough, Four Seasons, and Skibo Castle.
Eugenio Pirri, with a career spanning 30 years, joined Dorchester
Collection in 2011 as the vice president of people and organisational
development, following his role as regional HR director at Fairmont
Hotels and Resort. He was appointed as the chief people and culture
officer in 2017 before assuming his current position as the chief
culture and operations executive in 2021. In his role, Pirri oversees
all aspects of hotel operations, culture, guest engagement, and
environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.