San Ysidro Ranch has appointed Duncan Graham as Managing Director of the
beloved 38-cottage resort in the private Montecito enclave in Santa
Barbara, California. Prior to his arrival at San Ysidro Ranch, Graham was
General Manager of the St Regis Washington DC, a Conde Nast Gold List
Hotel, for nearly four years, where he oversaw many Presidential, Head of
State and Royal visits.
Bringing more than 20 years of hospitality and culinary experience to the
position, Graham will be responsible for leading the resort’s marketing,
sales and operations efforts, as well as managing the extensive
renovations. “The challenge of running San Ysidro Ranch is the most
exciting challenge I could be given. With the owner’s new commitment and
dedication to the beautification of the Ranch, we are going to create an
environment, and standard of personalized service, that will match and
exceed any in the world,” said Graham.

Graham began his career in the hospitality industry working at Maxims de
Paris. In addition, he has served various high-level positions at Four
Seasons Regent Hotels and Forte Hotels in Europe. Prior to his four-year
tenure with St. Regis Washington DC, Graham managed the St. Regis Houston
and was responsible for positioning the hotel as a five-star AAA Diamond
property.

Having stayed at San Ysidro Ranch on his honeymoon in June 1986 with his
wife Michelle, Graham vowed that he would one day return. “It’s a dream
come true”, says Graham, “the history and natural beauty of the Ranch made
such an impression on me that I am truly honored to be asked to come back
to help cement The Ranch’s reputation as one of the finest experiences in
the world.”

Graham and his wife will be residing in Montecito.

A member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux organization, a collection
of small unique, independently owned hotels, resorts and restaurants, the
San Ysidro Ranch is located in the exclusive enclave of Montecito, on over
500 acres in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The property
features 38 luxurious accommodations in 21 cottages, most with private
outdoor decks and wood burning fireplaces, a full array of in-room spa
treatments, 17 miles of beautiful hiking and walking trails, lush flower
gardens, two award-winning restaurants, an organic chef’s garden and
stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands.
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