Dorchester Collection has announced the appointment of Richard Cooke as general manager of its Los Angeles hideaway Hotel Bel-Air, effective January 1, 2027. He joins from Rocco Forte Hotels, where in his role as managing director, UK & Northern Europe he led the operations at London’s Brown’s Hotel as well as overseeing the company’s hotels across UK, Belgium and Germany.
Richard brings more than 30 years of international luxury hospitality experience to his new role. Prior to 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 in Asia and Canada. His earlier career was spent in food & beverage management across the US with Four Seasons, Regent Hotels, Ritz Carlton and Rosewood.
Born and raised in the UK, Richard completed the general manager programme at Singapore Management University as well as executive education at the Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality, also in Singapore.
“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,” said Philippe Leboeuf, chief executive officer of Dorchester Collection.
“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.”
“To be Hotel Bel-Air’s next custodian fills me with pride and excitement and it’s a true honour to join Dorchester Collection,” said Richard.
“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.”
