Club Med Holding has announced the appointment of Stéphane Maquaire as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Based in Paris, Maquaire succeeds Henri Giscard d'Estaing, who transformed the brand into a global leader in premium, all-inclusive travel over the past two decades.
The decision was made following a thorough succession process overseen by Club Med's Board of Directors and approved by d'Estaing. Maquaire, a French national, distinguished out among contenders due to his considerable expertise operating French enterprises on a global scale, particularly in the consumer and retail industries. His most recent position was Executive Director of Carrefour Brazil and Latin America, where he specialised in premium brand development, operational strategy, and commercial real estate.
Maquaire is expected to help Club Med grow by expanding on its present worldwide strategy while maintaining the brand's French identity and key principles. In his new role, he has already started aligning operational priorities with the company's Deputy CEOs to position the brand for long-term success in a fast changing global travel and hospitality industry.
Xiaoliang Xu, Co-CEO of Fosun International and Chairman of Fosun Tourism Group and Club Med Holding, applauded Maquaire's selection, noting his proven track record and capacity to build on the momentum built under d'Estaing's leadership. Xu also praised d'Estaing's tremendous efforts, which have improved Club Med's global reputation as a symbol of French living and hospitality.
In his opening remarks, Maquaire showed tremendous admiration for the Club Med tradition and stated his excitement about managing a company that appeals to generations of travellers. He underlined the lasting relevance of Club Med's values—freedom, kindness, inclusivity, and human connection—and promised a collaborative approach with staff, known lovingly as G.Os and G.Es, and guests, or G.Ms, as he takes the firm into a new era.
Club Med Holding's board of directors has been expanded as part of the leadership transition. Philippe Heim, a financial veteran with top positions at Société Générale and La Banque Postale, and Takuya Yamada, Chairman of IDERA Capital and long-time collaborator on Club Med's Japanese resorts, have formed a partnership to improve international governance. Their appointments reflect Club Med's global presence as well as the shareholder, Fosun Tourism Group's, desire to increase executive diversity and international representation.
Founded in 1950, Club Med has remained at the forefront of premium, all-inclusive travel, with nearly 70 resorts spanning 40 countries. With the support of Fosun Tourism Group and a dynamic repositioning strategy, the brand continues to expand its presence across five continents. Nearly 28,000 team members representing 110 nationalities work together to deliver the unique Club Med experience to guests from around the world.
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