New York, New York (October 31, 2024) – The iconic Four Seasons Hotel New York, set to reopen its doors in fall 2024 following several years of closure at the outset of the pandemic, is pleased to announce its executive property team: Michal Dedera as General Manager, Christopher Shiel as Director of Marketing, Chef Maria as Executive Chef, and Iwona Luksza as Director of Food and Beverage. With combined decades of experience in the international and New York culinary and luxury hospitality industry, Dedera, Shiel, Luksza and Chef Maria’s dynamic leadership will set the tone for the world-class service and elevated, authentic charm that will resonate with new and returning guests to the famed Midtown Manhattan institution.
At the helm of the property’s executive leadership team is Michal Dedera, who joins as General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel New York. With an extensive background in New York’s luxury hotel and real estate sector, Dedera also brings with him a unique understanding of the Four Seasons brand, having worked with the portfolio for over two decades including nearly four years at the Four Seasons Hotel New York up until its closure in 2020. Dedera’s proven success as a multilingual hotelier and real estate executive, along with his firsthand knowledge of the property and deep affection for its surrounding Midtown community, makes him well-positioned delivering personalized service to both his employees and hotel guests with exceptional care, creativity, and authenticity.
Joining Dedera is Christoper Shiel, Director of Marketing for Four Seasons Hotel New York. Bringing with him nearly two decades of senior sales and marketing experience from global brands including Denihan Hospitality Group, InterContinental Hotels Group, and Hyatt Hotels, Shiel also boasts a robust knowledge of luxury lifestyle-driven properties in New York City to his new appointment at Four Seasons, having previously led successful marketing initiatives for Andaz Mayakoba, Hotel 50 Bowery, Refinery Hotel, and Smyth, a Thompson Hotel in Manhattan. Through his tenure in these roles, Shiel acquired a deep understanding of implementing creative digital and traditional marketing strategies, executing brand partnerships and managing third-party agencies, equipping him with the crucial necessary expertise and skills to successfully spearhead Four Seasons Hotel New York’s fall 2024 reopening, in addition to contributing to the property’s ongoing growth and path to success as it enters a new, reinvigorated era.
Accompanying Dedera and Shiel is Chef Maria, who joins as Executive Chef for Four Seasons Hotel New York. With nearly two decades of culinary expertise, Chef Maria brings a wealth of knowledge from some of the world’s most renowned kitchens to the iconic Midtown Manhattan property. Her extensive experience spans across New York to London, with notable career highlights including a two-year tenure at Jean-Georges in New York City, a near six-year tenure at Heddon Street Kitchen in London where she eventually assumed the role of Executive Chef, working directly under Gordon Ramsay, as well as having served as Global Culinary Director for the Estiatorio Milos Restaurant Group, in which she oversaw all international and domestic culinary operations prior to joining Four Seasons Hotel New York. Bringing not only an exceptional culinary pedigree, but also a global perspective, passion for hospitality, and commitment to excellence to her role as Executive Chef for the newly reopened Four Seasons Hotel New York, Chef Maria will ensure the famed property remains the premier dining destination in Midtown Manhattan.
Rounding out the team is Iwona Luksza, Director of Food & Beverage for Four Seasons Hotel New York. Boasting over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with a particular emphasis in the Manhattan market, Luksza previously held various leadership roles at prestigious establishments such as The Ritz-Carlton, Mandarin Oriental New York, The Knickerbocker Hotel, Crosby Street Hotel, as well as the Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort before assuming her current position at Four Seasons Hotel New York. Overseeing all aspects of the property’s food and beverage operations, including its in-house cocktail bar, TY Bar, and The Garden Restaurant, which offers inspired Italian cuisine, Luksza’s exceptional leadership and keen understanding of the Manhattan hospitality market will prove vital to the Four Seasons Hotel New York’s commitment to culinary and service excellence
“I’m honored to work alongside Christopher Shiel, Chef Maria and Iwona Luksza in leading our powerhouse Four Seasons Hotel New York team to success in ushering in this incredibly exciting new chapter for the property, and creating unforgettable luxury experiences for our guests that will stay with them long after their return home, as well as reinvigorating Four Seasons Hotel New York’s beloved cultural landmark status in New York City history as the vibrant heart of Midtown Manhattan’s community” said Dedera.
For more information on Four Seasons Hotel New York’s reopening, please visit https://press.fourseasons.com/newyork/.
