His diverse, international career has provided him with a global, enriching perspective on hospitality, where the balance between high-quality service and employee well-being is essential. Always driven by strong human values, Matthias emphasizes the importance of the guest experience and innovation in managing luxury hotels.
Discover in this conversation the key elements that have shaped his journey, his approach to luxury, team management, and his expectations for the future of the hospitality industry.
Hello! If you had to summarize your career in luxury hospitality, how would you explain it to someone who is unfamiliar with our experiential world?
My career path has been anything but conventional. With a background in Sales & Marketing, I wasn’t sure what I truly wanted to do with my life until my mid 20s! That changed when I joined the hospitality industry as a trainee in the Sales & Marketing department at the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach, Cancun, for my Marketing degree. It was there that I caught the "hospitality virus" and fell in love with this incredible industry.
I was fortunate to start my journey at this fantastic hotel in Cancun, managing the US market with a focus on Leading Hotels of the World and Virtuoso agencies . This led me to Dubai in 2004, joining One&Only Royal Mirage at a time when the city was booming. Witnessing the rise of the Palm Island as well as the Marina was extraordinary, and working under GM Olivier Louis was invaluable - his advice shaped my career. After more than five years, he encouraged me to step beyond resorts and gain city hotel experience, which took me to Indonesia as Director of Sales for The Ritz-Carlton Mega Kuningan and Pacific Place in Jakarta.
Having worked across Central America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, I then transitioned to Europe as DOSM at Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona–Marbella, taking on a more operational role as EAM. Kempinski later entrusted me with the position of Hotel Manager at its European flagship, Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva, where I had the privilege of learning from Thierry Lavalley , a mentor who taught me not just about leadership but also the joy of the profession.
These experiences ultimately led me to my current role, where I had the honor of overseeing the closure, debranding, renovation, rebranding, and reopening of Sofitel Barcelona Skipper - now a European flagship and the first Sofitel in Spain. Each step of my journey has been a privilege, shaping me into the General Manager I am today.
Throughout your years at the helm of luxury establishments around the world, what are the key human values that have helped your teams shine?
We all know that Luxury hospitality is no more just about impeccable service, it’s about people. Over the years, I’ve learned that the key to helping teams shine lies in three fundamental values: purpose, trust, and continuous growth.
When a team understands the deeper meaning behind what they do, they don’t just perform tasks; they create experiences. That sense of purpose transforms service into something truly special. Trust is just as essential, when people feel valued, supported, and empowered, they dare to take initiative, challenge the status quo, and innovate. And finally, growth. The best teams I’ve led were made up of individuals who never settled, who saw every challenge as an opportunity to improve, and who inspired each other to be better every day.
At the end of the day, what makes a luxury establishment truly exceptional is not just the setting, it’s the passion, dedication, and human connections that bring it to life.
Has your concept of luxury evolved over the years? If so, how and why?
Luxury has undoubtedly evolved, and so has my perception of it. In the past, luxury was often associated with opulence, grandeur, and a certain ‘bling-bling’ extravagance. But today, true luxury is no longer about excess, it’s about authenticity, meaning, and a deep connection to place and experience.
Guests are increasingly seeking quiet luxury, where refinement is felt rather than flaunted. It’s about understated elegance, personalized service, and creating moments that feel genuine rather than staged. True luxury is found in the small details: a perfectly curated local experience, the warmth of a heartfelt welcome or a Cousu Main experience as we called it at Sofitel or the ability to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with oneself.
Sustainability has also become an essential part of modern luxury. More than ever, we have a responsibility to offer exceptional experiences while respecting the environment and local communities. The future of luxury is greener, more conscious, and deeply rooted in authenticity - where indulgence doesn’t come at the cost of sustainability, and where a sense of place is celebrated rather than overshadowed.
For me, the most luxurious experience is one that feels effortless, sincere, and in harmony with its surroundings. That’s where the industry is heading, and that’s what truly inspires me.
Moving from Director of Sales to General Manager is a fascinating transition. What, in your opinion, enabled you to succeed in this shift and thrive in every stage?
While not the most conventional route, my transition from Director of Sales to General Manager aligns perfectly with my philosophy: challenge the norm, think differently, and never say no to a good adventure 😉. Historically, the road to GM has been paved through Rooms or F&B, both providing invaluable operational expertise. However, as the luxury hospitality landscape evolves, a commercially driven perspective has become a powerful differentiator.
Today, excellence in service and financial acumen alone are no longer enough. True leadership requires the ability to articulate a compelling vision, position a brand strategically, and cultivate meaningful connections with both guests and stakeholders. My Sales and Marketing background has been instrumental in this regard - offering a deep understanding of market dynamics, guest expectations, and the art of differentiation in an increasingly competitive world.
What I find most inspiring about this industry is that passion, adaptability, and vision often matter more than a predefined trajectory. My journey reflects this philosophy, and I firmly believe that curiosity, a willingness to challenge the status quo, and the ability to surround oneself with exceptional teams are the true cornerstones of success.
That’s the beauty of this industry - backgrounds matter less and less. Hospitality is one of the few fields where, if you are passionate about what you do, you can genuinely grow and climb the ladder.
As General Manager of Sofitel Barcelona Skipper, what values and vision guide you daily in managing the hotel and its staff?
As General Manager, my focus is on creating memorable experiences by trying to go beyond just good service. Hospitality isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about surprising guests and building real connections. We aim to exceed expectations, turning everyday moments into something special.
At the heart of it all is a clear purpose: we exist to enrich lives. When we know why we do what we do, it shapes every interaction, making it more meaningful, whether with guests or the team. Leadership, for me, is about inspiring others to take ownership, lead by example, and bring their best every day.
Consistency is key - whether in the quality of our service or the way we treat each other. It’s not about perfection, but about delivering excellence time and time again, creating trust and reliability.
And, of course, we must have fun doing it! When the team enjoys their work, that energy naturally spreads to our guests. Fun fosters creativity, connection, and a positive atmosphere - elements that are just as important as delivering excellence.
Ultimately, it’s purpose, empowerment, fun, and consistency that drive us at Sofitel Barcelona Skipper, making every day an opportunity to create something extraordinary together.
Looking at the hospitality industry today, what changes do you hope to see in the coming years?
Looking at the hospitality industry today, I’m feeling quite optimistic about the direction we’re heading in. Sustainability is finally being treated like the serious business it is. Hotels are finding creative ways to be eco-friendly without making guests feel like they’re camping out in the wilderness (😊). It’s about being smart and innovative while still delivering the exceptional service people expect.
We’re also seeing a shift toward more personalized service, which I think is key. Technology is great, but there’s no substitute for a genuine connection with a guest. If we can use tech to make that connection even better, then we’re really onto something.
And, let's face it, a happy team makes for happy guests. The hospitality industry is finally realizing that looking after our teams isn’t just a nice idea - it’s a game changer. Happy employees equal happy guests, and that’s a formula that works every time.
At Sofitel, we’re thrilled to be part of this evolution. We’re not just riding the wave; we’re helping to shape it- especially in the areas of sustainability, innovation, and team well-being. It's an exciting time to be in the industry, and even better when you’re part of a brand that’s leading the way.
To end on a personal note, if I were…
- A destination: I would undoubtedly choose Cassis, my hometown. It’s undeniably one of the most beautiful places in the world, though I may be slightly biased. 😊
- An accessory: I would say a watch. For me, a watch is the quintessential piece of jewelry for men - though I know times are changing. It's not about expensive watches, necessarily, but about finding one that resonates with you, one that you feel comfortable wearing. For me, a well-chosen watch adds that final touch of elegance.
- A dish: While I could mention some sophisticated or extravagant dishes, the truth is I have a serious addiction to sweet crêpes. When I start, I simply can’t stop - they’re irresistible!
- A piece of music: I’m someone who enjoys a wide variety of music, from rap to house to pop. However, if I look at my phone and check the most played track, it’s undoubtedly “Still D.R.E.” by Dr. Dre from the album 2001. It’s truly a masterpiece.
