New GM to lead luxury hotel into next growth phase
FOUR Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur has announced the appointment of Simon Barnett as its new general manager, succeeding the outgoing leadership as the property enters its next phase of growth.
Barnett, whose most recent stint was with Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, Thailand, brings more than 30 years of global hospitality experience to his new role.
With enthusiasm for people, place and purpose, the Australian is poised to usher in a new chapter of luxury hospitality in Kuala Lumpur.
A long-time visitor to Malaysia, Barnett described the move as something of a homecoming.
'I've been visiting Kuala Lumpur every year for the past decade,' he said in an exclusive interview with StarMetro.
'There's so much cultural richness here such as art, food and heritage, and I'm excited to share that with our international guests.'
Hailing from Melbourne, Barnett's hospitality journey began in the front office of a five-star hotel in Brisbane before he found his niche in sales and marketing.
His career has since taken him to top properties around the world.
Collaborations with culinary talents in the works for Bar Trigona.
Barnett, who joined Four Seasons in 2011, said his path to leadership was shaped by generous mentors and a focus on empowering his teams.
Leadership, he said, was about creating a structure that supported the team's success, which is reflected in the guest experience.
At Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Barnett's vision revolves around curated experiences that blend global luxury with Malaysian authenticity.
He highlighted the importance of standing out, not just among hotels but also in a city brimming with dynamic dining and entertainment options.
'We will continue pushing boundaries through guest chef collaborations, dining promotions, and immersive wellness offerings.
'Bar Trigona continues to shine, and we will build on that with a collaboration with our team from Bangkok and culinary talents,' said Barnett of the hotel's award-winning bar that offers a vibrant nightlife experience with stunning views of the city.
The hotel is set to welcome a new executive chef from Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Vietnam, in July.
Meanwhile, Barnett is expanding the in-house spa's wellness offerings with a local twist.
These include herbal teas sourced from within Malaysia, a partnership with a longevity clinic and incorporating traditional Chinese medicine elements such as acupuncture.
He also hinted at more cultural initiatives to come, including an artist-in-residence programme.
'It would be lovely to host local and international artists, whether poets, sculptors or painters, and have their stay inspire creations we can share with guests.'
Committed to sustainability, Barnett said the hotel also planned to build on the group's 'Four Seasons for Good' framework.
This includes eliminating single-use plastics throughout the hotel, reducing food waste and supporting community initiatives such as the Terry Fox Run.
A self-professed fan of Malaysian cuisine, Barnett singled out beef rendang as his go-to comfort dish.
He confessed that local family-run eateries made him feel most at home.
'The thing that's most comforting for me in Kuala Lumpur is the warmth of family-run restaurants,' he shared.
'The service and the food remind me of home,' he said.
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