Lee Richards is new CEO for Seibu Hotels & Resorts’ international division

Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts announced the appointment of Lee Richards as chief executive officer of its hospitality firm outside Japan.

Richards takes over from Simon Wan who is retiring after nearly two decades of leadership.

Industry veteran Richards brings more than three decades of experience in terms of strategic growth and operational excellence to his new position.

As chief executive, Richards will spearhead the operational excellence and expansion of Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts’ international portfolio. His role encompasses working collaboratively to achieve the goal of 250 hotels globally, including 150 properties beyond Japan, with a particular emphasis on the upscale to luxury properties.

A welcome addition

According to Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide global president and CEO Yoshiki Kaneda: “We are thrilled to welcome Lee Richards to the Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide family. His proven track record in the hospitality industry, coupled with his passion for innovation and guest-centric approach, makes him the ideal leader to guide our global expansion.”

Richards likewise expressed his enthusiasm at joining Seibu by saying: “I am honoured to be part of Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide, a company with such a rich heritage and ambitious growth plans. I am excited to lead the International Division outside Japan and work alongside the talented team to achieve our vision of becoming a globally recognized leader in hospitality.”

A world of experience

Prior to joining Seibu, Richards worked with Swiss-Belhotel International and Millennium Hotels & Resorts. His experiences there equipped him with valuable insights into strategic growth and operational excellence. 

With this in mind, he is committed to leveraging these experiences to drive Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts forward, focusing on key priorities such as enhancing brand awareness, delivering exceptional guest experiences, and achieving strong financial performance.