Dorchester Collection announces the appointment of Pascal Billard as general manager of Paris’s Le Meurice, effective from August 1, 2025. It will be a welcomed return to Dorchester Collection for Billard, who served as resident manager at Le Meurice’s sister Parisian hotel, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, from 2009 to 2013.
With more than 35 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, Billard joins Le Meurice having held the position of general manager at Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona for the past 12 years.
Born and educated in France, Billard has held food and beverage and management positions across an exceptional portfolio of luxury hotels in the Americas and Europe. He originally studied at the Jean Drouant Hospitality School of Paris, and his illustrious career has included roles for Novecento, China Grill Management and Morgans Hotel Group. His most recent position with the Majestic Hotel Group saw him reposition the brand’s flagship Barcelona hotel on the Passeig de Gràcia.
Christopher Cowdray, president of Dorchester Collection, said: “We are delighted to welcome back Pascal Billard to Dorchester Collection. His extensive experience in the luxury hospitality sector, including his specialist experience in food and beverage operations, makes him the perfect candidate to take on this prestigious role. We look forward to working together to continue to serve the hotel’s loyal clientele and welcome new generations to discover Le Meurice.”
Open since 1835, Le Meurice was the first hotel awarded the official “Palace” distinction in France, and last year was awarded three Michelin Keys. The hotel is home to two Michelin-starred Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse, and a patisserie by world leading pastry chef, Cedric Grolet. Billard will be taking this position following the retirement of Franka Holtmann, who departed in February having served as general manager for more than 18 years.
Commenting on his new role, Billard commented: “It is a privilege to return to Paris and play a part in the legacy of the remarkable Le Meurice. I look forward to working with the hotel’s dedicated team to continue to build on its reputation as a vibrant cultural and culinary hub in the heart of Paris. As the hotel approaches its 200th anniversary it promises to be an exciting new evolving chapter for this much-loved legendary hotel.”
