A career anchored in global expertise and strategic growth
Christophe Laure’s journey began after training at the École Hôtelière de Lausanne and working in Cannes, before taking management roles in Monaco, Oman, Jordan, Egypt, Malta and Spain.
When he returned to Paris in 2010 to lead InterContinental Paris Le Grand — where he had already worked during its reopening between 2002 and 2004 — he brought with him a strong heritage of repositioning flagships and high-performance operations.
A decade-and-a-half leadership at a Parisian icon
Under his leadership, InterContinental Paris Le Grand has undergone a transformation that marries the grandeur of Parisian luxury with modern design and guest experience innovation. He emphasises relevance to the city: “A hotel today must be anchored in its city — economically, culturally and socially.”
His strategy has positioned the property as a hub of Parisian lifestyle: collaborations with brands such as Christofle, Ladurée, KWay and upcoming partnerships (such as with Repetto for the 150th anniversary of the Paris Opera in 2025) showcase a hotel evolving beyond accommodation to a cultural experience.
Talent development and corporate responsibility at the core
Managing a team of over 600 people, Christophe Laure’s leadership has placed training and mentorship at the heart of his management philosophy. The hotel runs more than 60 apprenticeships annually in partnership with institutions like Ferrandi Paris and Vatel, as well as mentoring programmes at the École Internationale de Paris.
Beyond operational matters, the hotel engages in long-standing partnerships with charities such as Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque and MakeAWish France, reinforcing the social dimension of leadership in modern luxury hospitality.
Expanding influence in IHG’s luxury & lifestyle agenda
In September 2025, Christophe Laure was appointed Head of the Luxury & Lifestyle Division at IHG France, thereby taking responsibility for the strategic steering of the group’s luxury and lifestyle brands in France and Spain. The portfolio includes brands such as InterContinental, Regent, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo and Six Senses.
“Working for the same group for over 30 years fosters strong belonging,” says Laure, “but true success comes from building teams that challenge you and help you evolve. It’s a collective and sustainable journey.”
His dual role — managing a flagship heritage property while overseeing luxury growth regionally — illustrates the evolving profile of senior leadership in hospitality: one that combines operational mastery with strategic brand growth, talent development and market foresight.
A lasting impact on the European hospitality landscape
Through his unwavering vision and sustained impact, Christophe Laure sets a benchmark for luxury hospitality leadership in Europe. His 15-year tenure at InterContinental Paris Le Grand not only celebrates performance and stability, but also strategic innovation, cultural anchoring and industry mentorship — positioning him as both a guardian of heritage and a driver of future-focused growth.
In a fitting tribute to this legacy, the Hospitality Asset Forum and the Hospitality Awards will both be held at the InterContinental Paris Le Grand on November 25, bringing together the leaders who shape the future of the hospitality industry in the very setting that exemplifies its timeless excellence.
