Professional Biography

With over 40 years of experience in the luxury hotel and residence sector, Pierre Barthes is a prominent hospitality leader renowned for his strong commitment to service excellence and operational efficiency. For 23 years, he spearheaded operations at Mandarin Oriental, serving as Area Vice President overseeing the flagship property in Hong Kong and four additional properties across Southern China and Macao. During his tenure, the hotel garnered multiple Michelin stars and six Forbes Five-Star ratings, making it the most decorated hotel in the world and solidifying Mandarin Oriental’s global benchmark for luxury excellence. Most recently, Pierre was the Managing Director of Raffles Hotel and Residences in Jeddah, where he orchestrated pre-opening activities with a vision to position the property as a leader in luxury within Saudi Arabia and the global market—drawing on his successes in Shanghai and New York to drive revenue growth and guest loyalty.

Additionally, Pierre is the author of The Craft of Luxury Hospitality: A Strategic Guide for Hotel Leaders, which reflects his deep commitment to enhancing guest experiences. Throughout his career, he has consistently driven operational improvements and fostered a culture of excellence, making significant contributions to the luxury hospitality landscape.

Qualifications

Pierre holds BEP and CAP in Hospitality Management from École Hôtelière de Nice, a Graduate Certificate in Business Management from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, an MBA from the Swiss School of Management, and a Professional Doctorate in Hotel Management from the European International University, Paris, France.

Passions

Pierre has a passion for travel, viewing it as a chance to connect with diverse cultures and forge meaningful relationships. He is a dedicated culinary enthusiast, always eager to explore new cuisines and discover local hideaways. An avid football fan, Pierre enjoys watching matches and supporting his favorite team, Olympique de Marseille. He also finds joy in outdoor activities, whether hiking scenic trails or cycling through picturesque landscapes. Additionally, Pierre enjoys immersing himself in literature that expands his understanding of hospitality and personal development—insights that fuel his writing in The Craft of Luxury Hospitality.

Elevator Pitch

Pierre is a passionate and dynamic hospitality leader with over 40 years of experience managing luxury hotels and residences globally. With a proven track record in pre-opening projects, driving revenue growth, and elevating service standards, he has successfully led prestigious properties in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and New York. His commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences has consistently resulted in operational excellence and profitability, along with multiple awards, making a lasting impact in the luxury hospitality sector.