Club Med Holding’s Board of Directors has appointed Mr. Stéphane Maquaire as the new President and Chief Executive Officer. This decision follows a thorough succession and evaluation process, recommended by former CEO Henri Giscard d’Estaing.
Maquaire, a French national, was chosen for his exceptional qualifications to guide Club Med into its next phase of profitable expansion. He will lead the company from Paris, with a commitment to preserving the brand’s core French identity and values.
The Board expressed gratitude to Henri Giscard d’Estaing for his outstanding leadership over the past two decades. His vision was crucial in transforming Club Med and preparing it for future growth. A key aspect of the succession planning was ensuring the continuation of the company’s global expansion strategy while maintaining its French heritage and long-standing principles.
Stéphane Maquaire brings extensive leadership experience from French companies operating internationally. His background includes significant expertise in transforming premium brands and in commercial real estate, consistently demonstrating success in growth, operational excellence, and customer-focused innovation. Prior to joining Club Med, Maquaire served as Executive Director for Carrefour Brazil and Latin America.
Upon his appointment, Maquaire met with the three current Deputy CEOs to discuss immediate operational priorities. As President and CEO, he will build upon the existing strategy while also seeking new opportunities in the rapidly evolving travel and hospitality industry.
Xiaoliang Xu, Co-CEO of Fosun International, Chairman of Fosun Tourism Group, and Chairman of Club Med Holding, commented on the appointment: “In Stéphane, we have chosen a leader with deep experience in the consumer sector and a remarkable international track record. He is ideally positioned to accelerate Club Med’s momentum and write the next chapter of this extraordinary story. We are deeply grateful to Henri Giscard d’Estaing for his exceptional contributions to Club Med over the years. His leadership and strategic vision have shaped a winning model that embodies the very best of French hospitality and lifestyle on the global stage.”
Stéphane Maquaire shared his enthusiasm for his new role: “Club Med is a global icon, not only for its excellence, but for the joy and belonging it has brought to generations of travellers, thanks to the unparalleled passion and dedication of its teams around the world. Above all, it is a culture, a spirit, a way of living and sharing. I am honoured by the opportunity to lead this unique company into its next chapter of success, building on Henri Giscard d’Estaing’s remarkable legacy. I firmly believe that Club Med’s values, its French roots, its spirit of freedom, and its deep sense of kindness, inclusion, and care for people, are more relevant than ever. I’m looking forward immensely to meeting my new teams, all the G.Os and G.Es, alongside our G.Ms: to listening, learning, growing together, and shaping the future of Club Med, as one team.”
In line with its dedication to international governance and diversity, Club Med’s board will welcome two new members: Philippe Heim and Takuya Yamada. Philippe Heim is an accomplished executive with extensive management experience in France and internationally, including key leadership roles at Société Générale and La Banque Postale. Takuya Yamada, Chairman of IDERA Capital and a close collaborator with Club Med on its Japanese resorts, also joins the board. These appointments highlight the global reach of both Fosun and Club Med, and the shareholders’ commitment to strengthening international representation at the highest levels of the company.
Maquaire’s career began at Arthur Andersen after graduating from École des Ponts et Chaussées. He then moved to Unibail-Rodamco, followed by Monoprix, where he spearheaded a significant transformation involving premium repositioning, digital acceleration, and a strong focus on sustainable development. He later led Vivarte in France and Swiss retailer Manor before joining Carrefour in 2019. At Carrefour, as Executive Director for Brazil and Latin America, he managed a €20 billion business, restructured the company’s portfolio, integrated Walmart operations, expanded the Atacadao format, and implemented a robust omnichannel strategy. Known for his accessible leadership style, hands-on management, and commitment to inclusion and sustainability, Stéphane Maquaire brings extensive experience in complex, multicultural environments to Club Med.
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