Four Seasons and Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings Ltd, the co-owners and operators of the Four Seasons Yachts brand, have announced the appointment of Ben Trodd as the CEO of Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings Ltd, starting this month (July 2025).
Trodd, an esteemed leader with extensive global luxury hospitality experience, brings a mix of strategic thinking, operational expertise, and a deep understanding of the Four Seasons brand.
"After over 25 years working with Four Seasons, Trodd brings operational and commercial expertise built over an extensive career with regional and global responsibilities. He is a seasoned hotelier with a deep understanding of the luxury world, having established long-standing relationships both in sales and operations, which allows him to bridge these fields to create a holistic and integrated guest experience. This appointment marks a pivotal moment for Four Seasons Yachts, as preparations are underway for the anticipated launch in 2026," the company stated in its appointment announcement.
The company also shared that Trodd most recently served as the COO of AMAN. Before that, he held senior management positions at Four Seasons, including General Manager, Regional Vice President, and ultimately, Senior Vice President Global Sales and Marketing. "His deep acquaintance with the brand and reputation in the tourism and hospitality sectors position him as the ideal candidate to lead the venture at such a crucial stage. In his new role, Trodd will be based in Miami and lead the technical operations, planning and deployment, sales, and marketing of Four Seasons Yachts. Additionally, he will be responsible for operating team collaborations with design and construction partners: Fincantieri and Tillberg Design from Sweden," the announcement stated.
The company further noted that Trodd began his journey at Four Seasons at the brand's first hotel in Europe – London Park Lane, and advanced through various management roles before being appointed Senior Vice President Global Sales and Marketing in 2018, a role in which he led the launch strategy for Four Seasons Yachts.
Four Seasons Yachts has been indicating for the past two years that it will "redefine the concept of luxury at sea with residential-style suites, the most luxurious design, and a 1:1 guest-to-staff service ratio. In its debut in January 2026, the yacht will visit approximately 130 destinations in over 30 countries."
Alejandro Reynal, President and CEO of Four Seasons: "The launch of Four Seasons Yachts is a significant milestone in the company's history, as part of our expansion into luxury experience realms, with hotels, resorts, residences, private flights, and now at sea. Ben brings a rare combination of deep brand understanding, luxury insights, operational excellence, and management vision. He is the perfect choice to lead the venture, and we are delighted to welcome him back to the Four Seasons family."
Nadim Ashi, Founder and Co-Owner of Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings Ltd: "This is a turning point for Four Seasons Yachts, as we approach the launch of our first vessel next year and introduce an entirely new experience to the market. This is the ideal time to bring in a visionary leader with a reputation like Ben's. He understands exactly what it takes to create an authentic Four Seasons experience, and I look forward to seeing him fulfill this at sea."
Trodd commented on his appointment: "Four Seasons is a brand I know well, with a vision I wholeheartedly believe in. Bringing the level of service and hospitality that this brand excels in, from land to water, is an extraordinary privilege. Our guests will feel from the very first moment that they are in the hands of true professionals, who know how to make every moment an unforgettable experience. Every moment on board will be naturally elevated and unmistakably Four Seasons."
The first ship, Four Seasons I, set to launch in 2026, aims to redefine the world of luxury cruises, bringing Four Seasons' service and standards to the sea.
Four Seasons I will sail to the waters of the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, holding 95 suites in a private residential style, with a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio. Onboard, guests will enjoy 11 culinary venues, an innovative marina for "Marina Days," wellness and spa areas, and more.
Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings, co-owners and operators of Four Seasons Yachts, are responsible for the maritime operations of the venture, while Four Seasons manages the service and hospitality experience. The construction of the Four Seasons I is in collaboration with the Italian shipyard Fincantieri and Tillberg Design from Sweden, under the leadership of designer Prosper Assouline.
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