Susana Cuan
Susana Cuan is a seasoned sales and event management professional with over 25 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry. Currently serving as Group Sales Manager at the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, she specializes in corporate group sales, client relationship management, and program development. Susana has a proven track record of exceeding revenue goals, strategically expanding markets, and delivering exceptional, memorable experiences for her clients across the United States, Canada, Asia Pacific, and Latin America.
Her career journey began in the medical and dental fields before transitioning to hospitality, where she quickly found her passion for catering and event planning. Over the years, she has held key roles at properties including the Claremont Resort & Spa, Palace Hotel, Hotel Nikko San Francisco, and American Hawaii Cruises. Throughout her career, Susana has demonstrated a strong ability to manage limited hotel inventory, including guest rooms and event space, while ensuring client satisfaction. She has been recognized as Catering Salesperson of the Year for the Americas and nominated for the prestigious Four Seasons Leader’s Circle, highlighting her leadership and industry expertise.
A graduate of San Francisco State University with a degree in Business Administration, Susana has also completed professional training in meeting planning to deepen her expertise in event strategy and execution. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she enjoys travel, creative pursuits, and continuous learning. Known for her service-oriented approach and ability to build long-term relationships, Susana combines operational insight with a deep understanding of clients’ needs, positioning her as a trusted leader and strategic partner in luxury hospitality.
• Unlocking Authentic Communication in a Culturally-Diverse Workplace
• San Francisco State University - BS
• Leader’s Circle
• Catering Salesperson of the Year Americas, 2014
• Manager of the Quarter, Q3, 2014
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to building and nurturing long-term relationships with my clients. By earning their trust and consistently delivering value, I create strong connections that often lead to referrals and clients choosing to work with me across multiple properties.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to find a mentor who can guide and nurture your growth. Mentorship is critically important for developing skills, gaining perspective, and navigating your career path successfully.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to find a mentor—someone who will guide you, share their experience, and help you explore different areas within hospitality. Having a mentor can provide invaluable insight, support, and opportunities for growth.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is educating clients about the nuanced differences and unique value among luxury hotel brands, such as the Four Seasons compared to other high-end properties, and helping them understand the justification for higher pricing. Additionally, competing within a close set of comparable properties and effectively managing and maximizing limited inventory present both challenges and opportunities for innovation and strategic growth.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are service, trust, and building strong relationships, along with a commitment to giving back to the community. These principles guide how I engage with clients, colleagues, and the world around me.
Locations
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
San Mateo, CA 94401