New Club Med president to 'lead company into new phase of growth'

Club Med has appointed Stéphane Maquaire as its new president and chief executive.

He replaces Henri Giscard d’Estaing, who held the role for more than 20 years after joining the operator in 1997.

Maquaire joins from French supermarket chain Carrefour where he was most recently executive director for Brazil and Latin America.

He was recommended by senior leadership at Club Med to “lead the company into a new phase of profitable growth”.

Maquaire will be based in Paris and focus on international expansion as well as preserving the French roots of the travel brand.

He will be responsible for “guiding the company to seize new opportunities in a fast-evolving travel and hospitality landscape”.

Chairman of Club Med Holding and its shareholder Fosun Tourism Group Xiaoliang Xu said: “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.”

He added: “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.”

Maquaire said: “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.”