effective Sept. 23. Four Seasons has been searching for a new leader since former CEO
Kathleen Taylor stepped down in February. Smith has led PREI since 2008 and worked with Prudential since 1987, first within its hotel investment group, and holds a master's degree from Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration. Michael Larson, chief investment officer of Four Seasons shareholder Cascade Investment, in a statement called Smith "a proven global growth leader and investor who fits well within our strong company culture and understands the value of preserving the quality of the existing brand."