On 23 September 2026, Four Seasons announced the appointment of Melissa Sims as General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Jacksonville. A two-decade veteran of the group, she will lead the opening of this new property on the banks of the St. Johns River, in one of Florida’s fastest-growing cities.
A career spanning operations and human resources
Melissa Sims will oversee all hotel operations, company culture and the guest experience, with a remit to deliver a successful opening. She was previously General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe.
Her career spans operations, human resources and culture, as well as training and development. This breadth has shaped a people-centred leadership style built on one conviction: an outstanding guest experience depends on empowered employees driven by a clear sense of purpose.
Melissa Sims says that while the energy of an opening is unlike anything else, what excites her most is the opportunity to become part of the community. In her view, Jacksonville radiates a warmth and a sense of possibility that can be felt immediately. She adds that the team is grateful for the chance to build something meaningful alongside those who live there, and to create a destination that reflects both the spirit of Jacksonville and the care and service for which Four Seasons is known.
As preparations for the opening continue, the new General Manager is focused on building her teams, forging lasting relationships with local stakeholders and making the hotel an address that celebrates what makes Jacksonville unique while playing its part in the city’s future. Four Seasons is taking a similar approach in Switzerland, where the group has entrusted Reto Moser with leading the future The Park Gstaad.
Backing from Americas leadership
For Antoine Chahwan, Four Seasons’ regional president of hotel operations for the Americas, the appointment reflects the new General Manager’s intimate knowledge of the company’s culture.
He says Four Seasons is extremely proud to be bringing the brand to Jacksonville, a city that stands out for its energy, its ambition and its undeniable momentum. He describes Melissa as an exceptional leader whose breadth of experience, deep understanding of the company’s culture and genuine care for others will set the tone for the new property. Working in partnership with Shanna Collective and the Khan family, he adds, she is building a destination true to the brand, deeply rooted in its community and reflective of the city’s promising future.
Tony Rodriguez takes the commercial helm
The pre-opening team includes another key figure: Tony Rodriguez, appointed Commercial Director for the hotel and residences. With Four Seasons for more than thirty years, he has held leadership roles in Florida and beyond, marked by landmark openings, repositioning projects and multi-property strategies.
He will define the property’s commercial vision and market positioning ahead of welcoming its first guests and the local community.
Tony Rodriguez explains that from his very first visit to the site, he understood this was about far more than opening a beautiful hotel. Four Seasons is not coming to Jacksonville to redefine what already makes the city distinctive, he says; its role is to build on those strengths, bringing the care, expertise and service behind the Four Seasons reputation, while creating experiences authentically rooted in Jacksonville.
A first within a sports and entertainment district
Developed by Shanna Collective on the banks of the St. Johns, Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Jacksonville will be the group’s first property located within a Sports & Entertainment District. The project connects residents and guests with both city life and the riverfront.
The property will offer direct marina access and will sit close to several of the city’s leading cultural, sporting and entertainment venues. It forms part of the partnership signed in 2023 between Four Seasons and Shahid Khan for the first phase of a major development project in downtown Jacksonville.
Florida remains a strategic market for the group, as shown by the opening of the Naples Beach Club. More broadly, Jacksonville forms part of Four Seasons’ international pipeline, which targets 180 additional properties by 2033.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Four Seasons appoints opening leadership in Jacksonville
Melissa Sims named General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Jacksonville
20-year Four Seasons veteran, most recently GM of Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe
Tony Rodriguez, 30+ years with the brand, appointed Commercial Director
Developed by Shanna Collective in partnership with the Khan family on the St. Johns River
First Four Seasons located within a Sports & Entertainment District, with direct marina access
