Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai announces the appointment of Ivan Giles as General Manager, marking a new chapter for the resort amid the rice fields and mountains of Northern Thailand.
With more than 20 years of international hospitality experience across the Americas and Asia, Ivan arrives in Chiang Mai from Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, where he served as General Manager.
During his time in Langkawi, he led the resort through an important period of growth and transformation. Now, he begins a new chapter in Northern Thailand.
A Hospitality Career Spanning the Americas and Asia
Born and raised in Mexico, Ivan’s hospitality journey began close to home. His early career included roles in Acapulco, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun.
He joined Four Seasons in Costa Rica in 2004. That move marked the beginning of a career with the company that would take him across some of the world’s most distinctive resort destinations.
His journey later included Lanai in Hawaii and the Maldives. There, he held leadership roles across Kuda Huraa, Landaa Giraavaru, Four Seasons Explorer and the private island of Voavah.
Throughout his career, food and beverage remained an important thread. At the same time, he developed a growing passion for nurturing talent and creating meaningful guest experiences.
Leading Four Seasons Resort Langkawi Through Transformation
Most recently, Ivan returned to Four Seasons Resort Langkawi as General Manager. He had previously served as Resort Manager from 2015 to 2017.
During his tenure, he guided the resort’s repositioning within the luxury leisure market. He also oversaw an extensive villa enhancement programme.
Under his leadership, the resort achieved record business performance. It also earned the distinction of two Michelin Keys.
A Hands-On and People-Focused Leadership Style
At the heart of Ivan’s leadership is a genuine interest in people.
His approach is hands-on and approachable, shaped by years of working closely with teams in intimate resort settings. Whether engaging with guests, colleagues or the wider community, he believes the most meaningful experiences begin with genuine human connection.
That philosophy will now shape his approach in Chiang Mai.
From Langkawi’s Shores to Northern Thailand
The move from Langkawi’s palm-fringed shores to Chiang Mai’s rice fields and mountains brings a dramatic change of landscape.
However, Ivan finds something unexpectedly familiar in Northern Thailand. The region reminds him, in many ways, of home in Mexico.
As he settles into life in Chiang Mai, his focus remains simple: to listen, to connect and to build on the strong sense of place that has long defined the resort.
At the same time, he looks forward to creating a new chapter together with the team and the surrounding community.
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