THE INTERVIEW : JENNIFER FOX
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Jennifer Fox highlights her global perspective as a key asset she brings to her new role at Fairmont , a brand with broadening global aspirations of its own . By Ann Bagel Storck , managing editor
Jennifer Fox does not make career moves lightly , having spent 10 years with IHG and 13 years with Starwood / ITT Sheraton before that . It was with careful consideration that she took on the role of president of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts , Toronto , last November . “ I thought it was a very strong brand , with a great North America footprint , and it was a brand interested in growing globally ,” Fox says .
The global nature of the business is nothing new to Fox . Born and raised in Australia , she started her career as a trainee there for ITT Sheraton . After a number of roles in Australia and North America in operations , marketing and management , Fox joined IHG in 2001 , leading the rebranding of the Regent Hong Kong before transferring to IHG ’ s U . K . headquarters , where her most recent position was chief operating officer for Europe .
Fox grew up watching her father in the hotel business and working parttime in the industry as she came up through school . “ I ’ ve had the travel bug from when I was very young ,” she recalls . “ I wanted to work in the global arena . I just saw the hotel business as a very attractive opportunity . For me , it was never a question of whether I would do it , it was just when .”
Now Fox is tasked with shepherding Fairmont as it grows in key markets such as India , China and the Middle East , among many others . HOTELS spoke with Fox about her goals for the brand as well as her personal keys to success . HOTELS : You have said you always admired Fairmont . What do you see as its greatest strengths ?
Jennifer Fox : It ’ s got some very iconic hotels in the portfolio if you think about The Plaza in New York , The Savoy in London , the Peace Hotel
www . hotelsmag . com April 2012 HOTELS 31