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FS Business Conduct

The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts outlines the principles and behaviors expected of employees to maintain a positive and ethical work environment. It emphasizes the importance of integrity, compliance with laws, and the prohibition of bribery and conflicts of interest. Employees are required to protect company assets, maintain confidentiality, and report any unethical behavior, with violations potentially leading to disciplinary action or legal consequences.

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panht120
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Topics covered

  • Legal Compliance Training,
  • Business Relationships,
  • Employee Relations,
  • Ethics Training,
  • Employee Guidance,
  • Integrity,
  • Fair Dealing,
  • Gifts and Hospitality,
  • Health and Safety,
  • Company Values
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
35 views15 pages

FS Business Conduct

The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts outlines the principles and behaviors expected of employees to maintain a positive and ethical work environment. It emphasizes the importance of integrity, compliance with laws, and the prohibition of bribery and conflicts of interest. Employees are required to protect company assets, maintain confidentiality, and report any unethical behavior, with violations potentially leading to disciplinary action or legal consequences.

Uploaded by

panht120
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Topics covered

  • Legal Compliance Training,
  • Business Relationships,
  • Employee Relations,
  • Ethics Training,
  • Employee Guidance,
  • Integrity,
  • Fair Dealing,
  • Gifts and Hospitality,
  • Health and Safety,
  • Company Values

CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS

INTRODUCTION

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts (the “Company”) has earned an enviable reputation for our
consistent delivery of high-quality guest service, and our excellent employee relations
climate. Such a reputation must be carefully maintained by ensuring a clear understanding
and acceptance of personal responsibility for the key principles and behaviors on which it is
based.

The continuing effectiveness of the Company depends on our recruiting, training and
developing of committed, skilled and knowledgeable people for every position; people who
earn the trust and respect of their co-workers and their managers by demonstrating the highest
standards of integrity and professionalism.

The Company has defined certain key concepts and approaches to ensure a consistent
understanding among the employees of our hotels and resorts of those principles which
underlie the creation and maintenance of a positive, ethical work environment.

This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) covers a wide range of business
practices and procedures. The Code does not cover every issue that may arise, but sets out
basic principles to guide all employees of Four Seasons’ hotels and resorts.

Employees will treat all fellow employees with respect, dignity and fairness. Employees will
conduct themselves in a manner which reflects favorably upon the Company and will base all
their employment actions strictly on legitimate job-related criteria.

Employees will not bind the Company to take specific action or to refrain from action in
areas and matters outside the scope of their responsibility.

Employees will not order or request their fellow employees to act in a manner inconsistent
with the rules of conduct for employees established by the Company, or in an unlawful or
otherwise improper manner. Employees will also not order, instruct, request or otherwise
create the impression that fellow employees are required to perform personal errands or
services for them.

Employees may be responsible for the preparation of accurate documentation relating to,
among other things, employment matters, when requested by the hotel. At an employee’s
request, the Director of Human Resources will assist with preparing the documentation.

As in effect July 2011


Employees should conduct themselves in accordance with this Code and seek to avoid even
the appearance of improper behaviour.

If a law conflicts with this Code, employees must comply with the law. If a local custom or
policy conflicts with this Code, employees should comply with this Code. If you have any
questions about these conflicts, you should ask your General Manager how to handle the
situation.

Employees who violate the Code may be subject to disciplinary action, which could include
the termination of their employment. They may also be subject to prosecution under
applicable law. If you are in a situation that you believe may violate or lead to a violation
of the Code, you should follow the process and guidelines described below under
“Reporting Any Illegal or Unethical Behaviour” and “Compliance Procedures”.

Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations

Obeying the law, both in letter and in spirit, is the foundation on which the Company’s
ethical standards are built and is critical to our reputation and continued success. All
employees must respect and obey the laws of the various jurisdictions in which the Company
operates. Although not all employees are expected to know the details of these laws, it is
important to know enough to determine when to seek advice from supervisors, managers or
other appropriate personnel. Members of the Home Office Corporate Legal Department are
always available to assist employees in determining applicable legal requirements.

Anti-Bribery / Anti-Corruption Laws

Employees are prohibited from participating in acts that could be considered “bribery” and /
or improper payments. “Bribery” refers to directly or indirectly offering, promising or giving
any financial or other advantage or anything of value to any person in order to influence them
to behave improperly, or reward them for behaving improperly, in connection with business
or employment activities.

Employees must comply with all applicable laws (“Anti-Corruption Laws”) prohibiting
“bribery” and improper payments, including the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act
(Canada), the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (US) and the Bribery Act (UK), and any law
with similar effect which is applicable.

Employees may not authorize or directly or indirectly request, agree to receive or accept a
financial or other advantage in return for the improper performance of business or
employment-related activities. It is important that employees avoid engaging in activities that
might be, or might be perceived to be, either offering or receiving an incentive or reward for
improper behaviour, in connection with the Company’s or the hotel’s business. A breach
may occur regardless of where in the world it occurs and may be a criminal offense, subject
to serious consequences, including imprisonment. Anti-Corruption Laws tend to be stricter as
regards government personnel. “Government personnel” is to be interpreted broadly and
includes officials of government entities, anyone exercising a public function for or on behalf
of a country, for a public enterprise, officials or agents of public international organizations,
elected politicians and candidates for public office, and persons holding a legislative,
administrative or judicial position of any kind of a country, territory or subdivision of a
country or territory.

-2- As in effect July 2011


As a result, if you have any questions about the application of the Code or Anti-Corruption
Laws to a particular situation, you should ask your General Manager or a member of the
Home Office Corporate Legal Department.

Examples of activities that may raise ethical questions and may be problematic under Anti-
Corruption Laws include, but are not limited to:

(i) Facilitation Payments

Certain laws prohibit payments to government personnel to facilitate or accelerate the


performance of a routine action, such as receiving a building permit, but which are not
legitimate payments as part of a formal, transparent process to expedite governmental actions.
This prohibition does not apply to payments that are specifically permitted by applicable
written law.

If such a payment is made in circumstances where an employee reasonably considers that


their personal safety or liberty may be at risk if such a payment is not made it will not be a
breach of this Code.

In such circumstances where a payment of this kind is made, the employee who made or
authorized the payment must report the incident to the Home Office Corporate Legal
Department as soon as practical. Reporting instances of facilitation payments will enable the
Home Office Corporate Legal Department to assess the risk levels and to advise on steps that
might be taken in order to avoid future instances of facilitation payments, or demands for
facilitation payments.

(ii) Gifts

Business gifts are customary courtesies designed to build goodwill and constructive
relationships among business partners and may include such things as tickets to sporting or
cultural events and other merchandise or services. In some cultures, they play an important
role in business relationships. However, gifts may form the basis of an offense under certain
Anti-Corruption Laws when these courtesies:

1. compromise, or appear to compromise, the recipient's ability to make fair and


objective business decisions;

2. are intended, or appear to be intended, to be an inducement or reward for improper


behaviour, to gain an unfair advantage or to unfairly influence a business relationship;
or

3. are known or suspected to be in breach of the gifts and hospitality policy applicable to
the recipient.

Offering or receiving any such gift should be avoided at all times, even during traditional
gift-giving seasons.

As a result, gifts may only be offered where they are reasonable, proportionate and given in
good faith, and where the purpose of the gift is to improve the image of the Company and/or
hotel, to promote the Company’s and/or hotel’s products or services in an ethical manner, or

-3- As in effect July 2011


to enhance relations with the recipient in the normal course of business. No gift should ever
be offered, given, authorized or accepted by any employee or their family members unless it
is not a cash gift, is consistent with customary business practices, is not excessive in value,
cannot be construed as a bribe or payoff, and does not violate any laws. Each hotel should
have a policy which addresses giving and receiving business-related gifts, and which
incorporates appropriate approval and recording mechanisms. Employees should be familiar
with the policy applicable to them, a copy of which policy can be provided by their
department head or Human Resources.

(iii) Hospitality and Entertainment

The provision of, and the provision of discounts on, hospitality (including such things as
accommodation, meals, beverages, services, and corporate entertainment at which the host is
present) and the receipt of hospitality, can raise similar issues as business gifts. As a result,
hospitality and entertainment are subject to the same parameters as business gifts.

Each hotel should have a policy which addresses giving and receiving hospitality and
entertainment, and which incorporates appropriate approval and recording mechanisms.
Employees should be familiar with the policy applicable to them, a copy of which policy can
be provided by their department head.

(iv) Political and Charitable Contributions

Political and charitable contributions must not be used as a means to make payments that
otherwise would be prohibited under Anti-Corruption Laws and must not be made:

 at the request or with the assent of government personnel where the intention is to
influence government personnel and to obtain or retain business or a business
advantage for the Company; or

 where the intention is to induce or reward improper performance of any person's


functions or activities.

Political donations must always be made in compliance with applicable laws on political
donations. It should be noted that restrictions on contributions are not limited to monetary
donations, but may also apply to the provision of corporate facilities, sponsorship of political
dinners, provision of corporate services at a discounted rate, and to contributions to
organisations other than political parties which have political purposes.

Nothing in this Code should be interpreted as restricting the freedom of employees from
making either political or charitable contributions on a purely personal basis.

Each hotel should have a policy which addresses giving political and charitable contributions,
and which incorporates appropriate approval and recording mechanisms. Employees should
be familiar with the policy applicable to them, a copy of which policy can be provided by
their department head.

(v) Government Personnel

Employees must exercise particular caution when offering or giving anything of value to any
government personnel. This includes business gifts, hospitality, donations or contributions of
any kind, as well as payments for official services.

-4- As in effect July 2011


Each hotel should have a policy which addresses giving business-related gifts, hospitality or
anything of value to government personnel, and which incorporates appropriate approval and
recording mechanisms. Such controls should take into account the proximity of the gift or
hospitality to the award of a government authorisation or other permit. Employees should be
familiar with the policy applicable to them, a copy of which policy can be provided by their
department head.

(vi) Receipt of Loans, Benefits or Advantages

Employees who are responsible for purchasing goods or services on behalf of the Company
or hotel must take particular care to avoid requesting or accepting any advantage from a
supplier or other third party in circumstances where this might influence, or appear to
influence, a decision relating to the procurement. There are also risks in the context of loans,
payments for services or other forms of financial compensation or assistance; these should
not be accepted by any employees or their family members from a party with whom the
Company or hotel has a business relationship unless that party is a financial or similar
institution in the business of providing such loans or other financial assistance on
substantially similar terms.

(vii) Agents and Intermediaries

Persons engaged as agents and intermediaries of Four Seasons or the hotel should be made
aware of this Code and the restrictions that it contemplates. Agents and intermediaries should
never be used in order to make payments or give advantages on behalf of the Company or
hotel that would be prohibited under Anti-Corruption Laws, or by this Code. Depending on
the circumstances – and particularly in situations where an agent or intermediary is being
engaged to "win" business for the Company or hotel or obtain a business advantage – it may
be appropriate to take steps such as those set forth on Schedule “A” attached hereto.

Anti-bribery measures taken in relation to agents and intermediaries should be documented,


or the reasons why anti-bribery measures were not taken and such records kept at least for the
length of the contract. Such anti-bribery measures should be updated and refreshed as
appropriate.

Employees should report any knowledge, or good faith suspicions they may have that a
person performing services for the Company or hotel has paid, or is paying, bribes or
otherwise breaching applicable Anti-Corruption Laws in connection with the Company’s or
the hotel’s business, through the procedure described below under “Reporting Any Illegal
or Unethical Behaviour” and “Compliance Procedures”.

Conflicts of Interest

A “conflict of interest” exists when an employee’s private interests interfere in any way with
the interests of the Company or the hotel. A conflict of interest is generally defined as a
business activity or relationship with another company or individual that, in the hotel’s
judgment, may result in questionable business ethics or a compromise in an employee’s
loyalty to the Company or hotel. A conflict of interest can arise when an employee takes
actions or has interests that may make it difficult for an employee to perform his/her work for
the hotel objectively and effectively. Conflicts of interest also may arise when an employee
or members of their family have a material interest in a transaction or receive improper
personal benefits as a result of the employee’s position with the hotel.

-5- As in effect July 2011


It is almost always a conflict of interest for an employee to work at the same time for a
competitor or a person with whom the Company or hotel has a business relationship.
Employees are not allowed to work for a competitor as a consultant or board member and
shall not have any beneficial interest in any hotel, restaurant, or other lodging, food and/or
beverage business, whether competitive or not, with the Company’s or the hotel’s facilities,
unless approved in writing by the General Manager, or in the case of Planning Committee
level or above, by the regional President, Operations. Employees may not directly or
indirectly maintain outside business and/or financial interest or engage in any other outside
business or financial activity that conflicts with the interests of the Company or hotel.
Employees must disclose to their supervisor any employment offer accepted by them from a
party with whom the Company or hotel has a business relationship.

Conflicts of interest are prohibited as a matter of Company policy, except under guidelines
approved by the Board of Directors of the Company. Conflicts of interest may not always be
clear-cut. Employees should check with their supervisor or department head for clarification
or approval before becoming involved in a situation which may be a conflict of interest. Any
employee who becomes aware of a conflict or potential conflict should bring it to the
attention of a supervisor or department head and consult the procedures described below
under “Reporting Any Illegal or Unethical Behaviour” and “Compliance Procedures”. If
an employee participates in an activity which is found to be in violation of the policy, the
employee may choose to discontinue the outside activity or resign from the hotel’s employ.

Confidentiality

Employees must maintain the confidentiality of confidential information entrusted to them by


the Company and/or hotel and persons with whom the Company and/or hotel does business,
except when disclosure is authorized by the President and Chief Executive Officer or
Executive Vice President General Counsel and Secretary or required by laws or regulations.
Confidential information includes all non public information that might be of use to
competitors of or harmful to the Company and/or hotel or the person to whom it relates if
disclosed. The Company’s and hotel’s private information, whether technical, business,
financial, or otherwise, and whether or not specifically identified as such, will not be
divulged except in strict accordance with established Company confidentiality policies and
practices.

If an employee has access to confidential information he/she is not permitted to use or share
that information for any purpose except the conduct of the hotel’s business. Employees will
not use private Company information or any private information of or regarding guests,
residents or fellow employees obtained by virtue of their employment with the hotel for
personal gain. Employees should read and abide by the Company’s Policy Concerning
Confidentiality. The obligation to preserve confidential information continues even after an
employee ceases to have a relationship with the hotel or the Company.

Protection and Proper Use of Company Assets

Employees should protect the Company’s and the hotel’s assets and ensure their efficient use.
Theft, carelessness, and waste have a direct impact on the Company’s and the hotel’s
profitability. Any suspected incident of fraud or theft should be reported promptly through
the procedure described below under “Reporting Any Illegal or Unethical Behaviour”.
Company and hotel equipment should not be used for non-Company business, other than
incidental personal use.

-6- As in effect July 2011


The obligation of employees to protect the Company’s and the hotel’s assets includes the
Company’s and the hotel’s proprietary information. Proprietary information includes any
confidential information, as well as intellectual property. Examples of proprietary
information include intellectual property (such as trade secrets, patents, trademarks (such as
logos), copyrights and exclusive photo images), training programs and materials (including e-
Knowledge Suite content), business, marketing and service plans, policies and procedures
manuals, designs, databases, salary information and any unpublished financial data and
reports. Unauthorized use or distribution of this information would violate Company policy
and could be illegal and result in civil or criminal penalties. The obligation to preserve the
confidentiality of proprietary information continues even after employees cease to have a
relationship with the hotel or the Company.

Company and hotel assets (such as funds, products or proprietary information) may be used
only for legitimate business purposes. Company and hotel assets may never be used for
illegal purposes.

Competition and Fair Dealing

The Company seeks to excel and to outperform any competitors fairly and honestly through
superior performance and not through unethical or illegal business practices. Taking
proprietary information without the information owner’s consent, inducing disclosure of that
information by past or present employees of other persons or using that information is
prohibited. Employees should respect the rights of, and deal fairly with, the Company’s and
the hotel’s competitors and persons with whom the Company and/or hotel has a business
relationship. No employee should take unfair advantage of anyone through illegal conduct,
manipulation, concealment, abuse of proprietary information, misrepresentation of material
facts, or any other intentional unfair-dealing practice. Nor should any employee act in a
manner that may be anti-competitive under anti-trust laws. Members of the Home Office
Corporate Legal Department are always available to assist employees in determining the
application of those laws.

Discrimination and Harassment

The diversity of individuals is a tremendous asset to the Company. The Company is firmly
committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate
any illegal discrimination or harassment of any kind. Examples include derogatory
comments based on racial or ethnic characteristics and unwelcome sexual advances.
Employees are encouraged to speak with their supervisor or, the Human Resources Director,
when a co-worker’s conduct makes them uncomfortable and to report harassment through the
procedure described below under “Reporting Any Illegal or Unethical Behaviour” and
“Compliance Procedures”.

Health and Safety

The Company strives to provide all employees with a safe and healthy work environment.
Employees have responsibility for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace by following
safety and health rules and practices and reporting accidents, injuries and unsafe equipment,
practices or conditions to a supervisor or department head. Violence and threatening
behaviour are not permitted. The use of illegal drugs in the workplace will not be tolerated.
Employees should report to work in condition to perform their duties, free from the influence
of illegal drugs or alcohol.

-7- As in effect July 2011


Execution of Agreements

All agreements entered into by the Company must be reviewed and approved by employees
from the Home Office Corporate Legal department and then be executed by the appropriate
authorized signing officers. All agreements entered into by the hotel must be reviewed,
approved and executed in accordance with the Company’s Signing Policy. All employees
should review and abide by the Company’s Signing Policy.

Accuracy of Company Records and Reporting

The Company requires honest and accurate recording and reporting of information to make
responsible business decisions. The Company’s and hotel’s accounting records are relied
upon to produce reports for our management, directors, shareholders, governmental agencies
and persons with whom the Company does business. All of the Company’s financial
statements and the books, records and accounts on which they are based must appropriately
reflect the Company’s activities and conform to applicable legal and accounting requirements
and to the Company’s system of internal controls. Unrecorded or “off the books” funds or
assets should not be maintained unless required by applicable law or regulation.

All employees have a responsibility, within the scope of their positions, to ensure that the
Company’s and hotel’s accounting records do not contain any false or intentionally
misleading entries. The Company does not permit intentional misclassification of
transactions as to accounts, departments or accounting records. All transactions must be
supported by accurate documentation in reasonable detail and recorded in the proper accounts
and in the proper accounting period.

Many employees use business expense accounts, which must be documented and recorded
accurately. If employees are not sure whether a certain expense is legitimate, a supervisor or
department head can provide advice.

Business records and communications often become public through legal or regulatory
proceedings or the media. Employees should avoid exaggeration, derogatory remarks or
inappropriate characterizations that can be misunderstood. This requirement applies equally
to communications of all kinds, including internal and external e-mail, informal notes,
internal memos, and formal reports.

The Company has established procedures to permit employees to submit, on a confidential


basis (to the fullest extent possible consistent with applicable law), good faith complaints
relating to any questionable accounting, internal accounting control or auditing matter,
including:

 fraud or deliberate error in the preparation, evaluation, review or audit of any


financial statements of the hotel,

 fraud or deliberate error in the recording or maintaining of financial records of the


hotel,

 deficiencies in, or non-compliance with, the Company’s system of internal accounting


controls,

-8- As in effect July 2011


 misrepresentations or false statements to or by a senior officer or accountant regarding
a matter contained in the financial records, financial reports or audit reports of the
hotel, or

 deviations from full and fair reporting of the hotel’s financial condition.

Procedures for submitting such complaints are described below under “Reporting Any
Illegal or Unethical Behaviour” and “Compliance Procedures”.

Use of Electronic Systems

Access and use of computer hardware devices, software, applications, databases, networks,
email, internet resources and underlying similar technology (“Electronic Systems”) is
provided by the Company to assist employees in carrying out their work. Employees may
only access the Electronic Systems, documents or messages using their assigned username
and password. Incidental and occasional personal use is permitted, but never for personal
gain or any improper purpose, including accessing, downloading, storing or sending any
information that could reasonably be insulting or offensive to another person, such as
sexually explicit messages, cartoons, jokes, unwelcome propositions, derogatory comments
based on gender, racial or ethnic characteristics, or any other message that could reasonably
be viewed as harassment. Flooding the Company’s system with spam, junk or trivia e-mail
hampers the ability of the Company’s system to handle legitimate Company business and is
prohibited.

Electronic documents and messages (including voice-mail, e-mail and SMS) sent, received,
created or modified by employees are considered Company property and employees should
recognize that they are not “personal” or “private”. Unless prohibited by law, the Company
reserves the right to access and disclose (both internally and externally) electronic documents
and messages, as well as, to specify, configure and restrict its Electronic Systems as
necessary for its business purposes. Employees should use good judgment and not access,
send messages or store any information that they would not want to be seen or heard by
others.

Compliance with United Nations Conventions

From time to time, the Company may support certain principles and values derived from
United Nations Conventions and Declarations through its relationships with and participation
in industry groups, consistent with the Company’s values and commitment to the highest
ethical standards. All employees must respect and obey the standards and obligations set
forth in such Conventions and Declarations. Although not all employees are expected to
know the details of such Conventions and Declarations, it is important to know enough to
determine when to seek advice from supervisors, managers or other appropriate personnel. A
list of the Conventions and Declarations whose principles and values the Company supports
may be obtained from the Vice President of Corporate Human Resources.

Members of the Home Office Corporate Legal Department are always available to assist
Individuals Subject to the Code in determining applicable legal requirements.

-9- As in effect July 2011


REPORTING ANY ILLEGAL OR UNETHICAL BEHAVIOUR

The Company has a strong commitment to the conduct of its business in a lawful and ethical
manner. Employees are encouraged to talk to supervisors, managers or other appropriate
personnel about observed illegal or unethical behaviour and when in doubt about the best
course of action in a particular situation. It is the policy of the Company not to allow
retaliation for reports of misconduct by others made in good faith. It is, at the same time,
unacceptable to file a report knowing that it is false. All employees are expected to cooperate
in internal investigations of misconduct.

The Company has established procedures to permit employees to submit, on a confidential


and anonymous basis (to the fullest extent possible consistent with applicable law), good faith
complaints relating to violations of the Code.

Employees with a good faith concern about illegal or unethical behaviour can report the
concern through EthicsPoint, Inc. (“EthicsPoint”), the third-party reporting services provider
retained by the Company. Information on how to file a report through EthicsPoint is provided
in Schedule “B” attached hereto.

A copy of concerns reported through EthicsPoint will be provided to an appropriate member


or members of senior management of the Company based on the nature of the concern. Such
members of senior management include the President and Chief Executive Officer, Executive
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, regional Presidents of Hotel Operations,
Executive Vice President Human Resources and Administration, Executive Vice President
Marketing, Executive Vice President Worldwide Development and Executive Vice President
General Counsel and Secretary.

A copy of all complaints relating to accounting or auditing matters will also be provided to
the Chair of the Audit Committee. Such complaints will be reviewed under the direction of
the Audit Committee, with oversight by the Executive Vice President General Counsel and
Secretary or such other persons as the Audit Committee determines to be appropriate.
Prompt and appropriate corrective action will be taken when and as warranted in the
judgment of the Audit Committee.

Confidentiality of complaints received will be maintained to the fullest extent possible,


consistent with applicable law and the need to conduct an appropriate review.

It is not the intention to communicate to the person making the complaint the status of its
review or resolution.

It is the intention of the Company that any complaints be addressed through a process that is
fair, having regard to the interests of the Company, the person making a complaint and the
person or persons in respect of whom a complaint is made. Provided that doing so will not
conflict with applicable law, compromise the investigation or proper disposition of a
complaint, generally persons identified in a complaint will be:

 advised of the complaint (but will not be provided information that might identify the
person making the complaint) on a timely basis (having regard to, among other things,
the need to ensure that the investigation of the complaint is not compromised as a
result of, among other things, destruction of relevant information), and

- 10 - As in effect July 2011


 afforded the opportunity to correct information in a complaint if it is inaccurate.

COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

All employees must work to ensure prompt and consistent action against violations of this
Code. However, in some situations it is difficult to know right from wrong. Since we cannot
anticipate every situation that will arise, it is important that the Company have a way to
approach a new question or problem. These are the steps to keep in mind:

 Make sure you have all the facts. In order to reach the right solutions, we must be as
fully informed as possible.

 Ask yourself. What specifically am I being asked to do? Does it seem unethical or
improper? This will help you to focus on the specific question you are faced with and
the alternatives you have. Use your judgment and common sense – if something
seems unethical or improper, it probably is.

 Clarify your responsibility and role. In most situations, there is shared responsibility.
Are your colleagues informed? It may help to get others involved and discuss the
problem.

 Discuss the problem with your supervisor. This is the basic guidance for all situations.
In many cases, your supervisor will be more knowledgeable about the question, and
will appreciate being brought into the decision-making process. Remember that it is
your supervisor’s responsibility to help solve problems.

 Seek help from Company resources. In the rare case where it may not be appropriate
to discuss an issue with your supervisor or where you do not feel comfortable
approaching your supervisor with your question, discuss it locally with your “two-up”.
If that is not appropriate for any reason, contact, in the case of a hotel, your General
Manager, RVP, Area Director of Human Resources or, in the case of Home Office,
your department head or any member of the Management Committee, who will put
you in direct contact with the appropriate people at Home Office.

 Report violations of the Code using EthicsPoint. As an alternative way of reporting a


concern, use the EthicsPoint third-party reporting system and report through the
EthicsPoint website or by telephone as described on Schedule “B” attached hereto.

 You may report ethical violations without fear of retaliation. If your situation requires
that your identity be kept secret, your anonymity will be protected to the extent
permitted by law. The Company does not permit retaliation of any kind against
employees for good faith reports of ethical violations.

 Always ask first, act later. If you are unsure of what to do in any situation, seek
guidance before you act.

- 11 - As in effect July 2011


APPLICABLE LAW

The provisions of this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics will be modified periodically, as
and to the extent necessary, to comply with applicable laws, regulations or policies. The fact
that the Code may not have been modified to reflect currently applicable laws, regulations or
policies is not a basis for non-compliance with those laws, regulations or policies by an
employee.

- 12 - As in effect July 2011


SCHEDULE “A”

AGENTS AND INTERMEDIARIES

 Get comfortable that the agent/intermediary does not have a known reputation for
involvement in matters or situations that have involved, or been perceived to involve,
conduct that is unethical or inconsistent with Anti-Corruption Laws.

 Make a copy of the Code or other statement of the Company’s anti-bribery


commitment available (which may be done via web posting) to the agent/intermediary
that may be engaged in activities that could reasonably be expected to be subject to
Anti-Corruption Laws.

 Only engage the agent/intermediary to provide legitimate services to the Company


and compensate them on a bona fide market basis.

 Enquire of the policies and procedures that the agent/intermediary has in place to
ensure compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws.

 Include in any written contract with the agent/intermediary appropriate anti-bribery


representations and warranties (the form of which can be provided by a member of the
Home Office Corporate Legal Department).

- 13 - As in effect July 2011


SCHEDULE “B”

REPORTING A GOOD FAITH CONCERN THROUGH ETHICSPOINT

1. Reporting By Web Access.

From any computer with internet access, go to:

[Link]

or

[Link] click on “file a report” at the top right corner of the page
and type in “Four Seasons”.

2. Reporting By Telephone.

Detailed instructions on how to place a call to EthicsPoint from your location will be
issued by Human Resources when the EthicsPoint system becomes active and will be
updated from time to time.

- 14 - As in effect July 2011


CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

I confirm receipt and acknowledge awareness of the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Code of
Business Conduct and Ethics.

Date:_______________________ By:___________________________

Employee’s Signature

______________________________

Employee’s Name (Print)

- 15 - As in effect July 2011

Common questions

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Employees should adhere to compliance procedures by staying informed about the facts of each situation, assessing ethical dimensions, and seeking advice before proceeding. They should engage supervisors for guidance and use company-provided resources for additional clarity. In case of potential violations, employees should report them using structured channels like EthicsPoint. By maintaining proactive engagement in compliance discussions and addressing ambiguities, employees can uphold the code and facilitate ethical operations .

Agents and intermediaries must adhere to anti-bribery laws and company codes. Companies should ensure they have a good reputation and are not involved in unethical conduct. It is essential to provide them with anti-bribery codes and ensure they comply via contractual agreements. Agents should only offer legitimate services, with compensation on market-based terms. Companies are advised to review the policies of agents to ensure they align with anti-corruption laws, and regularly update anti-bribery measures to maintain compliance .

Companies should establish procedures for confidential and anonymous reporting of unethical behavior, using platforms like EthicsPoint. Employees can report issues without fear of retaliation, as anonymity is protected to the extent permitted by law. The company does not permit retaliation against employees making good faith reports. All complaints need to be addressed fairly, ensuring a transparent process. Additionally, complaints related to accounting or auditing must be reviewed by the Audit Committee. Employees are encouraged to talk to supervisors about unethical behavior and cooperate with investigations .

To prevent conflicts of interest, companies should have clear policies prohibiting employees from engaging in activities that interfere with company interests. Employees are required to disclose any employment offers from parties with whom the company does business. If potential conflicts arise, employees should consult with supervisors, and any ambiguities should be clarified to ensure transparency. Additionally, activities that compete with the company's interests, such as working for competitors, are prohibited without specific approval. Employees should report conflicts to supervisors or use designated reporting procedures if necessary .

Employees are responsible for using electronic systems judiciously, ensuring they do not access, send, or store information deemed inappropriate or would be troublesome if viewed by others. Companies may access and disclose electronic documents for business purposes and have the authority to configure or restrict electronic systems. Employees must comply with data protection policies and use company resources ethically, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with applicable laws to prevent data breaches .

Facilitation payments are generally prohibited under anti-corruption laws, as they involve payments to government personnel to expedite routine actions. These payments are not legitimate as part of a formal, transparent process. However, if an employee perceives that their personal safety or liberty may be at risk without making such a payment, it will not be considered a breach of the Code. In such cases, the payment must be reported to the Home Office Corporate Legal Department to assess risks and avoid future occurrences .

Maintaining confidentiality is crucial in business operations to protect sensitive information that could benefit competitors or harm the company if disclosed. Confidential information includes technical, business, or financial data not publicly available. Unauthorized disclosure may lead to competitive disadvantages or legal implications. Employees must respect confidentiality agreements and company policies, only sharing information as authorized by law or company authorities. Breach of confidentiality could damage the company's reputation and lead to legal consequences .

The United Nations Conventions shape corporate ethical standards by providing a framework of principles and values that a company may choose to support. Employees should be aware of the broad standards set by these conventions, even if they do not know every detail. When they encounter situations that align with these principles, they should seek advice to ensure compliance. This integration aids in maintaining high ethical standards and aligning company practices with global social responsibility expectations .

When faced with an unclear ethical situation, employees should gather all relevant facts, consider the specificity of the action they are asked to take and whether it seems improper. It's important to clarify personal responsibility, involve colleagues for perspective, and discuss the issue with supervisors. If needed, seek guidance from additional company resources. If anonymity is required, use third-party reporting systems like EthicsPoint. Always seek advice before acting if uncertain about the ethics of a situation .

Gifts and hospitality can present ethical and legal challenges when they compromise the recipient's ability to make objective decisions or serve as inducements for improper actions. These practices can violate anti-corruption laws if perceived as bribery. Gifts should be reasonable, proportionate, and given in good faith to improve the company's image or relationships. They must comply with internal policies and not conflict with applicable legal standards. Clear records and policies should guide employees in navigating these ethical challenges .

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