Four Seasons New York names exec team ahead of opening

The Four Seasons Hotel New York, set to reopen its doors in fall 2024 following several years of closure since the onset of the pandemic, has named its executive property team: Michal Dedera as general manager, Christopher Shiel as director of marketing, Maria Tampakis as executive chef and Iwona Luksza as director of food and beverage.

At the helm of the property’s executive leadership team is Dedera. With an extensive background in New York’s luxury hotel and real estate sector, Dedera also brings with him a understanding of the Four Seasons brand, having worked with the portfolio for over two decades, including nearly four years at the Four Seasons Hotel New York up until its closure in 2020.

Joining Dedera is Shiel, director of marketing for Four Seasons Hotel New York. Bringing with him nearly two decades of senior sales and marketing experience from global brands including Denihan Hospitality Group, InterContinental Hotels Group and Hyatt Hotels, Shiel also brings knowledge of luxury lifestyle-driven properties to his new appointment at Four Seasons. He previously led marketing initiatives for Andaz Mayakoba, Hotel 50 Bowery, Refinery Hotel and Smyth, a Thompson Hotel in Manhattan.

Accompanying Dedera and Shiel is Chef Tampakis. With nearly two decades of culinary expertise, Chef Tampakis brings a wealth of knowledge from some of the world’s most renowned kitchens to the iconic Midtown Manhattan property. Her extensive experience spans across New York to London, with notable career highlights including a two-year tenure at Jean-Georges in New York City, a near six-year tenure at Heddon Street Kitchen in London—where she eventually assumed the role of Executive Chef, working directly under Gordon Ramsay—as well as having served as global culinary director for the Estiatorio Milos Restaurant Group, in which she oversaw all international and domestic culinary operations prior to joining Four Seasons Hotel New York.

Rounding out the team is Iwona Luksza, director of food and beverage. Boasting over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with a particular emphasis in the Manhattan market, Luksza previously held various leadership roles at such establishments as The Ritz-Carlton, Mandarin Oriental New York, The Knickerbocker Hotel and the Crosby Street Hotel, as well as the Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. She will lead all aspects of the property’s food and beverage operations, including its in-house cocktail bar, TY Bar and The Garden Restaurant, which offers inspired Italian cuisine.