LAKE SIMCOE, Ont. — Hani Roustom is the new CEO of Lake Simcoe, Ont.’s luxury-resort community Friday Harbour, located on the shores of Big Bay Point.
With more than 25 years of experience transforming the luxury-hospitality industry, Roustom has specialized in establishing resorts and hotels as industry leaders and icons. In his most recent role as managing director at the Hazelton Hotel in Toronto, Roustom retained the establishment’s status as number-1 on Trip Advisor in Toronto for a record-setting four consecutive years.
Previously, he held leadership roles at Four Season’s Hotels and Resorts and Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, which became one of the leading 5-Diamond Award hotels in Toronto during his tenure.
“I am thrilled to be joining Friday Harbour, a one-of-a-kind project with limitless potential. It’s exciting to be on this journey — establishing the community as one of the most sought-after destinations in Canada,” says Roustom. “Lake Simcoe boasts a rich history and elegance that is gaining prominence as a highly desirable and convenient retreat.”
Known as an accomplished community builder, Roustom’s expertise in understanding the affluent consumer has led to building brands that deliver excellence in guest experience. An active member and advocate for the hospitality industry overall, Roustom sits on the global Standards Advisory Committee (SAC) of the Forbes Travel Guide and was a member of the board of the Greater Toronto Hotel Association (GTHA).
He was also recently called upon to testify for the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs (SCOFEA) on strategies to help the industry on the road to post-pandemic recovery, both in the city and the province. His dedication to mentoring the future of the hospitality industry is demonstrated through his positions on the Program Advisory Committees for George Brown College, Seneca College and his involvement in Be Our Guest — a first-of-its-kind high school hospitality co-op program. Roustom is also a member of Hotelier’s Editorial Advisory Board.
“We are pleased to welcome Hani to our team, this is an important step for Friday Harbour,” says Jim V. De Gasperis, managing partner, Friday Harbour. “His proven success and passion for hospitality will be a strong asset to the resort and its community. We look forward to an exciting future of growth under his incredible leadership.”
