What people are saying

  • "Kristen has a natural ability to lead. I enjoyed working with him in Maui and O’ahu where I witnessed his connections with the team positively impact our guest experience ratings. He creates long-lasting, genuine bonds with the employees through team building and instilling confidence without micromanaging. Kristen is serious about the work he does without taking himself entirely seriously; tactful in his approach and knowing when to be stringent. His energy, enthusiasm, humor, and confidence radiate through his smile. He does not shy away from challenges and will readily jump into other areas of the business. He was greatly involved in our renovation projects and meticulously handled guest experiences during the work to ensure there was no interruption. He has a brilliant career ahead of him – largely in part to his adaptability and contagious personality."

    — Jean Claude Wietzel – Area SVP, Hotel Operations - Europe

  • “Kristen and I connected immediately – that happens when two islanders with the same name meet! It was a very natural, happy first meeting that set the tone for how Kristen would join an established team, seamlessly win over and command the respect of the resort’s >700 staff. He became integral quickly; motivating each business unit to stand on its own and keep things moving throughout the initial growth stages. We set out to create a new standard for luxury in hotels on Oahu. Kristen forged long-standing relationships, still relevant today, with the resort, local community, and outside stakeholders that echoed in successes such as commanding higher rates and guest satisfaction ratings. He was a vital part of the leadership team that attained the highest REVPAR and ADR on the island within the first year of opening. The Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina is our first project with Four Seasons, and Kristen acted as brand ambassador to communicate and elevate our working relationship. Kristen embraces the spirit of his team and demonstrates the totality owners expect of senior leadership.” ​ [Kris represents Intco Investments, an owning entity of Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina]

    — Kris Hui – Vice President, INTCO Investments and Brookfield Properties Development

  • "Since recruiting him across industries to work at The Abaco Club, Kristen has made a profession of turning acorns into oaks. Easy to work with, I watched him autonomously take a concept and transform it into an operable, effective, and workable program, and this has formed the basis of his exceptional career. What makes Kristen’s work ethic unique is how he adopts, then adapts and improves situations. Moving where his leadership is needed most, Kristen leaves a sustainable, positive impact on each project and team. Simply put – he leaves a place better than he found it."

    — Richard Hallam I.G.S.D. – Hospitality Advisory and Management Specialist

  • "Since Kristen and I worked together at The Abaco Club, I have seen him develop and grow; always vouching for him. Malleable to opportunities, like a move from The Bahamas to Thailand, he finds positivity and opportunity in each posting. His style works because of his integrity. Staying true to himself, he balances work with play and champions exercise for personal release and team building. Kristen leads with determination, grit, discipline, and solidarity – innate qualities found among athletes. He is agile and intent on success. It is easy to understand his meteoric rise and international career with Four Seasons."

    — Julien Surget – Managing Director, Canyon Equity

  • “'Get It Done.' These three words adorn the coffee mug on Kristen’s desk, by which he proudly displays in his office and more importantly - represents his mantra.  Simply put, he’s an extraordinary leader that does just that – gets things done and then some.  During our time together at Ko Olina, I witnessed first-hand Kristen’s exceptional ability to lead with ingenuity, inspiration, and motivation.  As the resort manager, he led a diverse team of 700 employees.  From Food & Beverage to Housekeeping, I was always struck by Kristen’s natural ability to build morale, motivation, and nurture sincere connections with the team, which ultimately led to the operations team’s dynamic collaboration and the resort’s award-winning success.  Through innovation, calculated risks and a distinct aptitude for business, Kristen continues to lead the hospitality industry by example…all the while getting more than enough done."

    — Michelle Edwards - Director of PR and Communications, Four Seasons Resort O'ahu at Ko Olina

  • “We’re used to working hard in hospitality. When Kristen leads a team, he gets us to work smarter. His superpower is his emotional intelligence. Kristen drills into that intensity and has an infectious leadership style that motivates employees. He’s sterling while reading people and situations. We saw this translate directly to higher guest engagement, less service recoveries, and increased productivity.”

    — Lanikai Lindsey – Resort Manager, Four Seasons Maui

  • “I’ve known Kristen for nearly 15 years, we first worked together on Abaco [Bahamas]. And throughout his international career his foundation and what makes him an impactful and observant leader remains the same: unwavering attention to detail; exceptional service standards; hunger for travel; welcoming spirit; ‘what’s-mine-is-yours’ openness. Kristen doesn’t leave you the same way as when he met you. He won’t let mediocrity slide. He is one of the few Black executives in his company and has been recognized by the diplomatic community during his time in Washington, D.C. Kristen is one of the most underrated professionals in our country.”

    — Simeon Hall - Author, Restauranteur and Celebrity Chef

  • "Kristen is the quintessential host. While he is with you, his full attention is on you and getting you anything you need, want. But to make this all possible, he is already thinking of how to make your request a reality. He has a natural ability to use the perfect style of conversation for each guest. Yet, he is totally sincere and means what he says. I would pick a property just because Kristen is there and in charge."

    — Gail Scott - Author and Diplomatic Columnist

  • "Kristen is an exceptional professional and was a delight to work with in every aspect. He consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to prioritize the needs of ownership, guests, and the property team concurrently, making each feel valued and important. Kristen's proactive nature, always identifying and capitalizing on opportunities to enhance value, is a testament to his initiative and drive. His dedication and competence were evident throughout our collaboration, and I wholeheartedly recommend him without reservation."

    — Carly Thorp - VP of Asset Management at Rockbridge