Richard Cooke has been appointed as the new general manager of Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, effective 1 January 2027, Dorchester Collection announced. Cooke joins from Rocco Forte Hotels, where he served as managing director for the UK and Northern Europe, overseeing operations at Brown’s Hotel in London and other properties across the UK, Belgium, and Germany.
Cooke's extensive career in luxury hospitality spans over three decades, including senior leadership roles at Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts in Asia and Canada. His early career was rooted in food and beverage management with prestigious brands such as Four Seasons, Regent Hotels, Ritz Carlton, and Rosewood across the US. Born in the UK, Cooke completed his general manager programme at Singapore Management University and pursued executive education at the Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality.
Philippe Leboeuf, CEO of Dorchester Collection, expressed enthusiasm about Cooke's appointment, stating, “Richard’s warmth, cosmopolitan perspective and instinct for truly meaningful hospitality make him exceptionally well placed to lead this special hotel.”
Hotel Bel-Air, nestled within 12 acres of canyon gardens, is renowned for its privacy and elegance, offering a secluded sanctuary just minutes from Beverly Hills and Hollywood.
The hotel recently received the Michelin Guide’s prestigious three-key rating, one of only two in Los Angeles to achieve this honour.
Cooke expressed his excitement about the role, saying, “To be Hotel Bel-Air’s next custodian fills me with pride and excitement and it’s a true honour to join Dorchester Collection.” He looks forward to leading the team and contributing to the hotel's storied legacy.
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