Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai has appointed Ivan Giles as its new General Manager, bringing more than two decades of international luxury hospitality experience to the Northern Thailand property.

Giles joins the resort from Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, where he most recently served as General Manager and played a key role in the property’s operational development and repositioning within the luxury leisure market.

His appointment comes as Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai continues to build on its reputation as one of Northern Thailand’s distinctive luxury retreats, surrounded by rice fields, mountains and the cultural richness of the region.

More Than 20 Years of International Hospitality Experience

Originally from Mexico, Ivan Giles began his hospitality career across some of the country’s best-known resort destinations, including Acapulco, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun.

His journey with Four Seasons began in Costa Rica in 2004. Since then, he has held senior leadership positions across several of the group’s renowned resort destinations, gaining experience in some of the world’s most competitive luxury travel markets.

His international career has included assignments at Lanai in Hawaii and multiple Four Seasons properties in the Maldives. These included Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa, Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru, Four Seasons Explorer and the private island experience of Voavah.

Food and beverage has remained an important part of Giles’ professional background throughout his career. Alongside operational expertise, he has also developed a strong reputation for team development, guest engagement and creating memorable experiences.

Leadership Experience at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi

Giles has a long-standing connection with Four Seasons Resort Langkawi. He previously served as Resort Manager at the property from 2015 to 2017 before returning in the role of General Manager.

During his latest tenure, Giles helped lead the resort through an important period of repositioning within the luxury leisure market. His responsibilities included overseeing a significant enhancement programme for the property’s villas and guiding the team through a period of strong commercial performance.

The resort also earned recognition with two Michelin Keys during his leadership, further strengthening its position within the international luxury hospitality landscape.

His experience at Langkawi has given him valuable insight into managing high-end leisure resorts while balancing commercial performance with the personalized service and sense of place that luxury travellers increasingly seek.

A People-Focused Approach to Luxury Hospitality

Beyond operational performance, Giles is recognized for an approachable and hands-on leadership style.

He places strong importance on relationships — whether with employees, guests or members of the local community. For Giles, genuine interaction and human connection are an essential part of hospitality.

That philosophy has been shaped by years of working in intimate resort environments where the guest experience depends not only on the property itself, but also on the people who bring it to life.

His focus on teamwork, personal engagement and service is expected to play an important role in his leadership at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai.

A New Chapter in Northern Thailand

Moving from Langkawi to Chiang Mai means trading tropical island beaches for Northern Thailand’s mountain landscapes and tranquil rice fields. Yet, for Giles, the new destination also carries a sense of familiarity.

He sees connections between Chiang Mai and his Mexican roots, particularly in the importance of community, culture and a strong connection to the destination.

As he begins his new role, Giles’ immediate priorities will include getting to know the resort’s team and local community, understanding Chiang Mai on a deeper level and building further on the property’s distinctive sense of place.

His extensive experience across luxury resort destinations gives him a broad international perspective, while his people-first approach brings a more personal dimension to leadership.

With Giles at the helm, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai enters its next chapter with a leader experienced in luxury leisure, resort operations and creating experiences that connect guests with both the destination and the people who call it home.