As Chief Communication Officer, member of the Executive Committee of Sommet Education, the world leader in hospitality education, she plays a pivotal role in enhancing the worldwide reputation of prestigious institutions that train the next generation of leaders in hospitality and luxury management.
As a woman of conviction and action, she co-founded and is the Executive Vice President of Sommet Education Foundation financing quality education to empower emerging talent with exceptional drive and tenacity who lack the financial means to pursue top-tier education in hospitality.
Throughout her career, she has navigated in parallel the complementary spheres of leading positions within companies and external advisory, always keeping and entrepreneurial mindset.
Through the founding of Bliss Influencer Agency, she has anticipated and embraced the growing impact of influencers and digital storytelling.
In this exclusive interview, Anouck shares her journey, her vision and her insights on the future of hospitality, communication and education in a world where innovation and excellence go hand in hand.
Hello Anouck! From your very first professional experience to today, what have been the defining moments that led you to your current role?
It all started with a passion for words, travel and cultures; I've always been fascinated by how language can move people, create bridges, and open doors. That love naturally led me to communication and storytelling and I graduated from the Celsa Sorbonne University, a leading French school specializing in information and communication sciences and journalism.
I started my career in New York for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, created my own travel agency, joined Accor Hotel Group and led the communication of high-end Sofitel hotel brand. Working in the luxury world taught me the importance of detail and emotion, but also the power of listening and staying grounded. Founding Bliss allowed me to express creativity in a more personal way. And then came Sommet Education and the Foundation, an opportunity to bring meaning into my professional journey. Supporting others, sharing knowledge, creating impact... it felt like the next chapter in a story shaped by curiosity and heart.
As Co-founder and Executive Vice President of Sommet Education Foundation, what was the vision behind this creation and what do you aim with its development?
I deeply believe that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. With the Foundation, we wanted to open new paths especially for young people who dream big but might not have the means. Opening the door of our prestigious institution to people from disadvantaged backgrounds by financing training and education is a very rewarding role. It can change a lifepath; it is about making dreams come true.
Sommet Education is a key player in shaping the future leaders of the hospitality industry. How does the institution adapt to the evolving luxury sector, and what are the current trends in education for the next generation of hospitality managers?
Luxury today is more intimate, more intentional. It’s about how you make people feel, not just what you offer. At Sommet Education, we’re always evolving both in what we teach and how we teach it. Cultural awareness, emotional intelligence, sustainability… these aren’t extras anymore; they’re essential. We want our students to be confident, but also curious and open-minded. We don’t just shape careers; we shape world citizens who understand the nuances of global hospitality and the importance of human connection.
You also founded Bliss Influencer Agency, specializing in communication strategy and influencer relations. Could you share with us your perspective on influence in the luxury industry?
For me, it’s not about being everywhere; it’s about being in the right place, with the right message. Real influence feels natural. It speaks softly but stays with you. At Bliss, we focus on authenticity. We choose partners who truly embody the values of the brands they represent. That’s how you create trust. In a world full of noise, the most elegant form of communication is often the simplest and most sincere.
In your view, what are the keys to crafting a powerful and authentic communication strategy in luxury?
Start by being real. Know who you are as a brand and stay true to it. Simplicity is incredibly powerful; it allows the essence to shine through. Luxury doesn’t need to scream; it whispers. A great communication strategy is like a beautiful journey: it has rhythm, tone, a destination but also space for surprises and emotions. And never forget the people you’re speaking to. Communication isn’t just about talking; it’s about connecting.
What advice would you give to those aspiring to build a communication career in the luxury industry?
Be endlessly curious. Read. Travel. Watch people. Open to cultures and new experiences. Let yourself be surprised. Luxury is about refinement, but also about the soul. Learn the codes but don’t lose your personality. Be brave enough to bring your perspective into the room and build relationships with honesty. In the end, the most precious thing you can offer both in communication and in life is authenticity.
To end on a personal note, if you were…
- A fragrance: Something simple but soulful - jasmine. Natural, warm, and quietly memorable.
- A song: “Divine Idylle” by Vanessa Paradis. For the influence of Matthieu Chedid on words bringing a poetic lightness, a sense of freedom and joy that feels like dancing with language.
- A movie: Lost in Translation. For its quiet intensity, cultural contrasts, and the unspoken emotions that stay with you.
- An inspiring quote: “Live simply, so that others may simply live.” – Gandhi. A reminder to stay grounded, generous, and intentional.
