In this interview, he shares his career journey, management philosophy, and ambitions for Maison BARNES, Maison Boissière, and Un Moment BARNES. Discover his approach that reinvents the client experience and redefines the standards of luxury hospitality..
Hello, could you tell us about your professional background and what led you to your current position at Barnes Hospitality?
Hello, I started my career in the hospitality industry nearly 15 years ago, after obtaining a degree from the Vatel Hotel School in Paris. I worked for two years with Hyatt in Washington DC and Beijing, before returning to my studies to complete an MBA at IMHI ESSEC Business School.
Following this, I had the opportunity to work at the Four Seasons George V for five years, then took on the role of Hotel Manager at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. I was later recruited to open the One&Only One Za'abeel, the group’s first urban resort, featuring over nine restaurants, six of which were led by Michelin-starred chefs such as Anne-Sophie Pic and David Munoz.
These experiences allowed me to develop a global vision and a deep understanding of the expectations of clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. My journey naturally led me to BARNES International, where, through meeting the founder and President, Thibault de Saint-Vincent, I found a company that shares my values of passion for excellence and innovation in the hospitality sector. My role at BARNES is to lead this new division with the goal of creating experiential venues through three distinct brands, while promoting the French art of living and craftsmanship.
As the Director of this new division created by BARNES International, which includes Maison BARNES New York, Maison Boissière Paris, and Un Moment BARNES in Mougins, could you describe your role and main responsibilities within the Group?
As the director of this division, my role is to implement Thibault de Saint-Vincent's vision. BARNES is expanding into the hospitality sector to best serve our clients by offering various experiential venues that align with our brand values. We create vibrant spaces centered around the art of living while promoting French craftsmanship and artistry. I oversee all operations related to the development of these brands across multiple locations. This involves strategic marketing positioning and crafting unique customer experiences. I work closely with each Maison to provide them with a platform for representation, while also tailoring our services to meet the specific needs of each local market.
You have worked in various countries: Europe, the United States, Asia, and the Middle East. How have these different cultures impacted your approach to hotel management?
These international experiences have been incredibly enriching and have helped me develop a hotel management approach rooted in understanding and respecting cultural differences. Each culture offers a unique perspective on hospitality; I’ve learned to adapt my management methods to meet the specific expectations of each clientele.
For instance, the emphasis on personalized service in Asia has greatly influenced me, while the efficiency, attention to detail, and rigor observed in Europe have helped me structure my teams more effectively. Management in the United States has provided me with leadership skills and a positive, entrepreneurial spirit.
This cultural diversity has allowed me to create inclusive and harmonious work environments where every team member feels valued and motivated.
The concept of Maison BARNES is intriguing. How do you translate this philosophy into the daily client experience?
Maison BARNES is a lifestyle destination where the experience is at the heart of the concept: we aim to offer our clients a full immersion into the French art of living. This is reflected in experiences centered around six passions highlighting craftsmanship and beauty, such as French gastronomy, table art, music, philanthropy, and expertise. We host exclusive cultural events monthly and partner with prestigious French artisans and brands. The idea is to invite artists or industry experts to share their passion and engage with our clients during these events. It’s essentially a club-like atmosphere centered around passions, where people with shared values meet. Our goal is to introduce our clients to the charm and elegance of the French lifestyle while providing incredible experiences.
Could you give us an example?
On October 8th and 10th, we are hosting three exceptional music evenings featuring three Stradivarius violins with a private concert at Maison BARNES New York. Guests will have the opportunity to meet pianist Christie Julien, violinist Alexander Markov, and luthier Laurent Lopez, who will passionately discuss the legendary Stradivarius. We organize events for a maximum of 6 to 40 people to encourage meaningful interactions.
You also created Maison Boissière. Could you explain the positioning of this hotel residence?
Maison Boissière is a hotel residence featuring 16 luxury apartments equipped with full hotel services. Each apartment includes a kitchen, a living room, and a bedroom, resulting in 16 prestigious suites, four of which have incredible terraces. We offer personalized service, creating an atmosphere where guests feel at home. This pied-à-terre concept provides an easy way to host guests and offers a genuine Parisian experience. It represents a new type of stay that provides an alternative to traditional hotels with a more personalized and intimate service.
Could you tell us about your third brand, Un Moment BARNES?
Un Moment BARNES is a new real estate agency concept that embodies the creativity of Thibault de Saint-Vincent. The strength of BARNES International lies in its client relationships. We place great importance on supporting our clients for the next 30 years. Un Moment BARNES provides a lifestyle venue in Mougins where we can host our clients in a friendly atmosphere and strengthen our connections with them. It’s a place dedicated to celebrating the art of living and the pleasures of dining and wine. This next-generation agency features a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant focused on shared cuisine, a lifestyle bookstore, a wine cellar, and an art gallery.
What is your approach to recruiting and training a team capable of delivering excellent service?
For recruiting and training our teams, I prioritize hiring individuals passionate about hospitality with strong emotional intelligence. I firmly believe that technical skills can be taught, but passion and commitment are innate qualities. We operate as a family structure where sharing and passing on knowledge are essential to everyone’s success. Once recruited, our teams receive intensive and ongoing training focused on BARNES service standards and personal development. We also create career opportunities to encourage professional growth within the company. Our goal is to foster a motivating work environment where everyone feels valued and inspired to give their best.
What, in your opinion, are the essential skills for success in luxury hospitality? What advice would you give to an ambitious young professional aiming for a leadership position?
Essential skills for success in luxury hospitality include excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to anticipate client needs. Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in understanding the client and anticipating service before it is requested. It is also vital to have a strong work ethic, flexibility to adapt to varied situations, and a passion for hospitality. To an ambitious young professional, I would advise always seeking to learn and improve, never underestimating the importance of practical experience, and remaining humble and open to feedback. Perseverance and the ability to build solid relationships with clients and colleagues are also major assets for progressing in this field.
And finally, more personally, if you were…
A vacation destination: Bayonne
A fictional character: Jason Bourne
A color: Blue
A quote: Treat others as you would like to be treated.
