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Sohoma, has seen an important growth since its foundation in the 1990s. Originally known as Solanet Gestion Hôtelière – the company rebranded to Sohoma, while it was founded by Jean Solanet, a key figure behind Louvre Hotel Group. Sohoma has built a solid reputation for its strategic investments in the hotel sector, focusing on financial expertise and long-term business relationships.
Expanding portfolio and focus on growth
Sohoma currently oversees 85 hotels in France including franchised hotels (Accor, Louvre Hotels, Marriott, IHG, Hilton, Ascott) and in 2023 had projected sales of 170 million euros. The company has consistently completed 6 to 7 transactions annually over the past six years, demonstrating its strong deal-making capability in the hospitality market.
In addition to its strong presence in France, Sohoma is also focusing on international expansion. The company’s international growth strategy is concentrated on peri-French regions, with a focus on understanding and analyzing market trends before making investment decisions. Sohoma’s expanding portfolio includes its own hotel brand, Orso Hotels, which complements its broader portfolio of national and international brands.
Renovation over new construction: Focus on reuse
Sohoma’s leadership, including Henry Simpson, who joined the SOHOMA team after being approached by Timothée and Louis for a partnership, has shifted the company’s focus from new hotel constructions to refurbishing existing properties. This shift is not just about adapting to changing times but also about leveraging a core strength: expertise in hotel renovations and adaptive reuse of buildings. For example, Sohoma have started to transform two office buildings in Mérignac, France, into a 158-room Hampton Inn. This move reflects a broader trend in the hospitality industry, where repurposing and modernizing existing spaces are seen as both environmentally sustainable and economically viable.
Simpson, who has a background in hotel renovations, emphasizes the potential for reusing existing buildings, particularly in Europe, where many countries have a rich architectural heritage. Sohoma’s experience in this area is seen as a valuable asset as it continues to pursue adaptive reuse projects that align with both market demands and environmental sustainability.
People-centric approach: A core strength
A key factor in Sohoma’s success is its focus on people management. Timothée Hainguerlot and Henry Simpson emphasize the importance of creating a positive environment for employees, which leads to improved customer satisfaction and operational success. Sohoma’s family-run business model is central to its approach, fostering strong internal relationships and positive interactions with partners and sellers.
The recent appointment of Vincent Galoche as Director of Operations France and International highlights the company’s commitment to strengthening its leadership as it expands.
Future growth and strategic partnerships
Looking forward, Sohoma plans to continue expanding in both domestic and international markets. With a focus on renovation, adaptive reuse, and strategic partnerships, the company is well-positioned to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the hospitality sector.
