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Dorchester Collection has appointed Richard Cooke as General Manager of Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, effective 1 January 2027.
Cooke joins from Rocco Forte Hotels, where he served as Managing Director, UK & Northern Europe.
In the role, he led operations at Brown’s Hotel in London while also overseeing the company’s hotels across the UK, Belgium and Germany.
Cooke brings more than 30 years of international luxury hospitality experience to Hotel Bel-Air.
Before joining Rocco Forte Hotels, he spent more than 15 years in senior leadership positions with Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, including General Manager and Area General Manager roles across Asia and Canada.
Earlier in his career, Cooke held food and beverage management positions in the US with Four Seasons, Regent Hotels, Ritz-Carlton and Rosewood.
Born and raised in the UK, he completed the General Manager Programme at Singapore Management University as well as executive education at the Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality in Singapore.
Philippe Leboeuf, Chief Executive Officer of Dorchester Collection, said: “Hotel Bel-Air is unlike anywhere else; it’s a much-loved legendary hideaway with a remarkable team, a deep creative spirit and a rare sense of freedom. Richard’s warmth, cosmopolitan perspective and instinct for truly meaningful hospitality make him exceptionally well placed to lead this special hotel. We are delighted to welcome him to Dorchester Collection.”
Hotel Bel-Air is set within 12 acres of gardens in Los Angeles and is part of Dorchester Collection’s international luxury hotel portfolio.
Cooke’s appointment follows the hotel receiving a Three Key rating from the Michelin Guide, alongside sister property The Beverly Hills Hotel.
Commenting on his appointment, Cooke said: “To be Hotel Bel-Air’s next custodian fills me with pride and excitement and it’s a true honour to join Dorchester Collection. I look forward to leading such an exceptional team as we write its next chapter. The US is where my family calls home. To be returning to California and to a hotel with such character, remarkable guests and creative spirit is both meaningful and energising.”
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