Meet Edwin Frizzell

Regional Vice President, Accor Central Canada
General Manager, Fairmont Royal York

Edwin Frizzell is currently the Regional Vice President, Accor Central Canada and the General Manager of Toronto’s landmark Fairmont Royal York. Appointed to the role in 2014, Frizzell oversees more than 1,300 employees and leads the iconic hotel’s vision and next chapter following the property’s most extensive transformation in its 90 year history. Now part of the world-lead-ing hospitality group, Accor, Fairmont Royal York boasts 1,329 guest rooms and suites and remains the largest Fairmont property in North America. Additionally, as Regional Vice President for Accor Central Canada, Frizzell leads the teams at other notable properties including: Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Novotel Ottawa, Novotel Toronto Centre, Novotel North York, Novotel Vaughan, Fairmont Winnipeg, Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, Fairmont Palliser and the Sheraton Suites Calgary EAU Claire (a Fairmont Managed hotel).

Frizzell’s career in hospitality began at a young age with his first job as a Front Desk Agent at The Rodd Royalty Inn in his hometown of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. He has since worked in many distinguished hotels over the course of more than 20 years, holding leadership roles at the Delta Chelsea Toronto, The Sutton Place Hotel, The Sheraton Centre Toronto and General Manager positions at the W City Centre Hotel in Chicago, the Hilton Toronto and prior to Fairmont Royal York, the Westin Harbour Castle Toronto. Frizzell is a seasoned veteran in the luxury hospitality business and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Tourism & Hospitality from Mount Saint Vincent University and was the program’s first graduate in 1990, where he was also awarded the Governor General’s medal for the highest aggregate average among his peers. Residing in the heart of Toronto, Frizzell is passionate about travel, design, workplace culture and guest experience.

The incoming Chairman of the Board for the Great Toronto Hotel Association, Frizzell has a long history of industry involvement in Toronto serving as a GTHA Board and Executive Member since 2009 and currently, as member on the Board of Directors for Tourism Toronto. An expert in his field and trusted leader to nearly 3,000 colleagues across Canada, his commitment to his teams and growing vision for his properties also earned him the coveted 2019 Pinnacle Award for “Hotelier of the Year”, by Hotelier magazine.

“Excellence in Hospitality is a cornerstone of our industry. Creating a workplace culture that focuses on empowerment, learning, innovation, customers and delivering exceptional results has always been at the forefront of my professional outlook. Having the opportunity to work with our award-winning teams across Accor hotels in Central Canada inspires me every day as we turn moments into memories for our teams and guests alike”.