Simon Barnett’s career in hospitality began
at the ground level—quite literally. He started out parking cars and working as
a bellman, long before stepping into the polished shoes of a hotel general
manager.
Now helming the prestigious Four
Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Barnett brings with him over three decades of hands-on
industry experience. Despite his impressive résumé, the Sydneysider remains
refreshingly grounded.
“I was drawn to hospitality because I love meeting people,” he recalls with smile. "Back then, the idea I actually got rewarded
for doing a good job was incredibly appealing."
With his parents working overseas, Barnett pursued his
university studies in Brisbane, where his sister was living at the time. His first hotel job was in the front office of a five-star Brisbane property where he quickly discovered a passion for the fast-paced world of
luxury hospitality.
As he climbed the ranks, Barnett expanded his
expertise across various departments before finding his niche in sales. His
journey took him from Australia’s Gold Coast to the global cities of London and
New York, strengthening his knowledge of international hotel operations.
In 2011, he joined Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
as Director of Catering and Conference Services. His strong business acumen and
people-first mindset saw him rise swiftly, first to Director of Marketing, and
later to Hotel Manager. His dual role in Singapore—as both Hotel Manager and
Director of Marketing—further sharpened his leadership skills.
Barnett’s first General Manager role was in
Jakarta where he played a pivotal role in stabilising and relaunching the
property post-pandemic. Before moving to Kuala Lumpur, he spearheaded the award-winning
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok.
Thanks to his astute operations
and sales and marketing background, Barnett has a natural affinity for connecting with team members
across the board.
“I used to be really focused on climbing the
ladder,” he reflects, “but now, I try to be more intentional about the
relationships I build. Hospitality is a 24/7 industry, so creating the right
structure to support our people is fundamental to ensuring our guests always have a
great experience.”
Barnett is particularly passionate about
nurturing young talent. “What I love about this industry is that you can come
in at any level and still go far, as long as you’re committed. That kind of
opportunity is very powerful—and I think it resonates with the younger
generation.”
Work-life balance is another area he takes
seriously. “It’s not just about taking time off—it’s about being present when
you do,” he says. “There’s no point going on holiday if you’re glued to your
phone the whole time. That’s why I always ask my team what they did on their
days off. I want to encourage them to enjoy that time and be present for their loved ones.”
A sports enthusiast at heart, Barnett unwinds
by watching the Australian Football League matches, rowing, playing rugby, and hitting the gym. Although he’s just moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia isn’t new to him.
“When I was based in Jakarta, I’d come
here several times for vacations. I love the culture, the people, the food—it’s such a dynamic
place,” he says, expressing his desire to explore more of the country,
especially Penang and East Malaysia. His aim? To gather firsthand experiences
to share with Four Seasons guests looking for something beyond the ordinary.
A strong believer in open communication,
Barnett makes it a point to create safe spaces for his team to speak up. “I
spend an hour each month with every department so they can share what’s on
their mind. I even walk them to my office and tell them, ‘My door’s always
open’ but no one has taken up my offer yet,” he laughs. “I want them to know the
offer stands.”
And what’s his guiding philosophy?
“Don’t take things too seriously,” he quips.
“We have high standards and as we strive to meet them, we should still find moments to laugh, to
have fun, and to make the workplace an enjoyable one."
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