Four Seasons names ex-sales and marketing boss as head of luxury cruise start-up

A senior executive at luxury hotel group Aman is taking the helm of Four Seasons Yachts ahead of the debut of its first ship in 2026.

Ben Trodd most recently served as chief operating officer of Aman but previously held a series of senior roles at Four Seasons over 25 years, most recently as global sales and marketing senior vice president. 

“His fluency in the brand and credibility across the travel and hospitality sectors position him uniquely to lead at this pivotal moment,” a statement from the joint owners Four Seasons and Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings said.

As chief executive, Trodd “brings a combination of strategic acumen, operational expertise, and a deep understanding of the Four Seasons brand”. 

Based in Miami, he will oversee the technical operations, planning and deployment, and sales and marketing efforts for Four Seasons Yachts. 

His role also oversees crew operations and collaboration with construction and design partners Fincantieri and Tillberg Design of Sweden. 

The line’s first vessel Four Seasons I, scheduled to sail in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, will feature 95 suites with a 1:1 passenger to staff ratio, 11 culinary outlets, a state-of-the-art transverse marina to be activated on dedicated marina days as well as spa and wellness offerings.

Trodd, who began his Four Seasons career at the brand’s first European hotel, London at Park Lane, said: “Four Seasons is a brand I know well, with a vision that I believe in deeply.

“To bring the service excellence and genuine hospitality that Four Seasons has perfected on land, to the water, is an exceptional opportunity and a great honour. 

“Our guests will know from the moment they step on board that they are in the hands of a team that understand service at the highest levels, and what it takes to create unbelievable travel moments. Every moment onboard will feel effortless, elevated, and unmistakably Four Seasons.” 

Nadim Ashi, founder and co-owner of Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings, said: “This is a pivotal moment for Four Seasons Yachts as we prepare to launch our first ship next year, and introduce an entirely new experience to the market. 

“It is the ideal time to welcome a visionary, respected leader like Ben to take on the helm of Four Seasons Yachts. He understands what it takes to create a true Four Seasons experience, and I look forward to watching him do exactly that as we take to the seas.” 

Four Seasons president and chief executive Alejandro Reynal said: “The launch of Four Seasons Yachts represents a significant milestone in our company history as we continue to expand our experiential luxury ecosystem across our hotels, resorts, residences, Private Jet Experience, and now with Four Seasons Yachts. 

“Ben brings a rare combination of brand and luxury insight, operational rigour and leadership vision. He is the ideal steward for this exciting venture, and we are thrilled to welcome him back to the world of Four Seasons.”