From Rocco Forte Hotels to Dorchester Collection
Richard Cooke will join Dorchester Collection on 1 January 2027 as General Manager of Hotel Bel-Air, one of the group’s two Los Angeles properties alongside The Beverly Hills Hotel.
He has most recently served as Managing Director UK & Northern Europe at Rocco Forte Hotels, overseeing operations at Brown’s Hotel in London as well as the group’s properties across the United Kingdom, Belgium and Germany.
His appointment marks a return to the United States for an executive who has spent much of his career working internationally.
More than fifteen years with Shangri-La
Before joining Rocco Forte Hotels, Richard Cooke spent more than fifteen years with Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, holding several general management and regional leadership positions across Asia and Canada.
He began his career in restaurant and Food & Beverage operations in the United States, working with prestigious hospitality groups including Four Seasons, Regent Hotels, Ritz-Carlton and Rosewood.
Born and raised in the United Kingdom, he also completed executive education programmes at Singapore Management University and the Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality.
His career therefore combines extensive operational experience with responsibility for overseeing multiple luxury properties across international markets.
Hotel Bel-Air: A historic Los Angeles landmark
Opened in 1946, Hotel Bel-Air is set within nearly five hectares of landscaped gardens in the residential neighbourhood of Bel-Air.
The property features 103 rooms and suites, a restaurant serving Californian cuisine and a Valmont spa.
Renowned for its discretion and secluded surroundings, the hotel was recently awarded Three Michelin Keys, as was its sister property, The Beverly Hills Hotel.
According to Philippe Leboeuf, Chief Executive Officer of Dorchester Collection, Richard Cooke possesses the international experience and sensitivity required to preserve the distinctive character of this landmark property.
For his part, the incoming General Manager has emphasised his personal connection to the United States, where his family lives, and his enthusiasm about returning to California.
LTH Analysis | An appointment rooted in the traditions of leading luxury hotel groups
In appointing Richard Cooke, Dorchester Collection has chosen an executive with a strong hotel operations background, combining individual property management, regional leadership responsibilities and experience with some of the world’s leading luxury hospitality brands.
The appointment comes at a time when iconic hotels must reconcile the preservation of their identity with operational excellence and the increasingly sophisticated expectations of international guests.
For Hotel Bel-Air, the challenge will be to maintain its exclusive positioning and the quality of its guest experience while capitalising on its recent recognition by the Michelin Guide.
At a Glance
Appointment: Richard Cooke, General Manager, Hotel Bel-Air.Effective date: 1 January 2027.Previous role: Managing Director UK & Northern Europe, Rocco Forte Hotels.Career: Over 30 years in luxury hospitality, including Shangri-La, Four Seasons and Rosewood.Property: Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles – 103 rooms and suites.Recognition: Three Michelin Keys.
