Christopher Cowdray named company president at the Dorchester Collection

Christopher Cowdray has been appointed company president at the Dorchester Collection after 15 years as its chief executive officer.

He will take on the role from 1 July and work closely with the board of directors to guide the luxury hotel management company through its development and renovation projects.

Cowdray has over 40 years’ experience in the industry, having worked at both Claridge’s and the Dorchester in London, as well as managing and developing hotels across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, United States and Australia. He was appointed chief executive at the Dorchester Collection following its formation in 2006.

Helen Smith, the company’s chief customer experience officer, and Eugenio Pirri, chief culture and operations executive, have now both been promoted to the roles of joint chief executive officer.

Smith joined Dorchester Collection in 2005 and was previously vice president of sales and marketing for ten years, while Pirri joined in 2011 as vice president for people and organisational development.

The pair have worked together for 12 years and will be overseeing the group’s overall strategy.

Commenting on the restructure, Cowdray said: “This decision ensures continuity of our legendary culture rooted deeply in community, and allows two of Dorchester Collection’s most senior, long-standing executives and leaders in their field to step up.

“The company will benefit from their distinct and ideal combined skillsets of strategic vision, guest and employee-centric focus, and analytical decision making.”

The Dorchester Collection runs nine global hotels including 45 Park Lane in London and Coworth Park in Ascot.