Kathleen Taylor is set to leave her role as chief executive officer of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

Taylor spent just two and and a half years as CEO of the company after assuming the role from Isadore Sharp, the founder of Four Seasons, in 2010.

Taylor, who first joined at Four Seasons in 1988, said: "Throughout my almost quarter century with Four Seasons the one constant has been the power of the employees – they’ve always been my inspiration.

"I’m also immensely proud of the members of my Executive Leadership Team and going forward, it is they, along with the nearly 40,000 employees who will fulfil the vision that we have put in place together, driving the future success of the company."

Isadore Sharp, who will continue as chair and a shareholder, wished her well in the next phase of her career.

"Katie has been a trusted colleague and fundamental to building Four Seasons into the admired and successful company it is today."

Four Seasons has initiated a search for Ms. Taylor's successor and has retained Ferguson Partners, an executive search firm, to assist in the process. In the interim, Four Seasons’ nine-member Executive Leadership Team will manage the company.