Hiring a Transformational General Manager
Client Challenge
One of the world's largest privately held hospitality organisations, was preparing to reposition a luxury hotel in Cannes through a €30m+ refurbishment and brand transformation. The beachfront property, located on the French Riviera, was set to undergo a complete renovation of its guestrooms, public areas, back-of-house facilities and exterior, culminating in a full relaunch ahead of the 2027 peak season.
The challenge was multifaceted:
Identify a commercially driven General Manager capable of leading a live hotel operation throughout a major refurbishment programme Oversee the successful delivery of a complex transformation involving ownership, contractors, designers and international brand stakeholders Drive the commercial repositioning of the hotel into a higher-value international leisure and MICE market Maintain exceptional guest experience, employee engagement and operational performance during a significant period of change Deliver sustainable growth in ADR, RevPAR and market share while preparing the property for its relaunch as a flagship upscale destination
In addition, the role demanded an exceptional hospitality leader with experience managing luxury or upscale hotels, capital investment projects and complex stakeholder relationships, combined with the resilience and commercial acumen required to deliver a career-defining transformation.
Our Approach
Madison Mayfair designed a highly targeted executive search strategy focused on identifying transformational General Managers with proven experience in luxury hospitality, hotel repositioning and large-scale operational leadership.
Key elements of our approach included:
Executive Market Mapping: We identified senior hospitality leaders across luxury hotels, resorts and conference destinations with experience managing complex operational environments and major refurbishment programmes. Transformation Expertise: Candidates were assessed on their ability to lead live hotel renovations, manage capital projects and successfully relaunch premium hospitality assets. Commercial Assessment: Particular emphasis was placed on candidates with a demonstrable record of driving ADR, RevPAR, Total Revenue and market share growth through strategic commercial leadership. Leadership & Cultural Fit: Beyond technical capability, we evaluated leadership style, resilience, stakeholder management and the ability to inspire and retain teams throughout periods of organisational change. Collaborative Search Process: Working closely with Westmont Hospitality Group, we refined the leadership profile to ensure complete alignment with the ownership's long-term vision and the strategic objectives of the refurbishment programme.
This focused approach enabled us to access an international network of senior hospitality executives with the rare combination of operational, commercial and transformational leadership experience required for this landmark appointment.
The Result
Madison Mayfair successfully delivered a shortlist of outstanding General Manager candidates with proven experience leading luxury hotels, conference properties and large-scale hospitality transformation projects.
The successful candidate demonstrated:
Extensive experience managing upscale and luxury hospitality operations A proven record of delivering commercial growth and strong financial performance Significant expertise overseeing refurbishment and repositioning programmes Outstanding stakeholder management and leadership capabilities The ability to inspire teams while maintaining operational excellence during periods of significant change
Impact
The successful appointment positioned the hotel to confidently deliver one of the French Riviera's most significant hotel transformation projects.
Key impacts include:
Successful Transformation Leadership: Experienced executive leadership in place to oversee the hotel's €30m+ refurbishment and repositioning programme. Commercial Repositioning: A clear strategy to strengthen the hotel's position within the international leisure, corporate and MICE markets. Operational Continuity: Strong leadership ensuring exceptional guest experience and employee engagement throughout the live refurbishment programme. Long-Term Value Creation: A leadership appointment capable of delivering sustainable commercial performance while establishing the hotel as one of the Côte d'Azur's leading upscale hospitality destinations.