Club Med Holding has handed the reins to French retail heavyweight Stéphane Maquaire, who takes on the role of President and CEO with immediate effect.
Maquaire succeeds Henri Giscard d’Estaing, who led the company for over 20 years. Under Giscard d’Estaing’s leadership, Club Med undertook a successful global transformation and repositioning strategy focused on international expansion and premium offerings.
Bringing global retail muscle to Club Med HQ
Based in Paris, Maquaire will oversee the group’s global operations while ensuring the continued expression of the company’s French identity and values.
Maquaire brings extensive senior leadership experience from premium retail and hospitality sectors, including roles at Manor, Vivarte, Monoprix and most recently as Executive Director for Carrefour Brazil and Latin America. In that role, he managed a €20 billion business, expanded the Atacadao format, integrated Walmart, and accelerated the group’s omnichannel capabilities.
According to the group’s board, Maquaire was selected through a formal succession and evaluation process led by outgoing CEO Giscard d’Estaing. His appointment is seen as critical to driving the next phase of growth in a dynamic global tourism landscape.
“In Stéphane, we have chosen a leader with deep experience in the consumer sector and a remarkable international track record,” Club Med’s shareholder Fosun Tourism Group Chairman Xiaoliang Xu said.
“He is ideally positioned to accelerate Club Med’s momentum and write the next chapter of this extraordinary story.”
Strategic continuity and international expansion
Maquaire will continue to build on the group’s existing strategy, with a focus on seizing new opportunities across its 70 premium resorts in 40 countries.
Two new additions to the group’s board have also been announced: Philippe Heim, former Chairman of the Executive Board of La Banque Postale, and Takuya Yamada, Chairman of IDERA Capital, a close collaborator on Club Med’s Japan operations. The appointments are aimed at strengthening international governance and aligning with the company’s global footprint.
From French flair to global share: Club Med’s evolving identity
Founded in 1950, Club Med pioneered the all-inclusive holiday concept and has grown to become a global leader in premium leisure resorts. Its footprint includes both beach and mountain destinations, with new developments underway.
Reflecting on this legacy and its future, Maquaire said he was honoured to lead Club Med, describing it as a global icon that balances tradition with transformation.
“Above all, it is a culture, a spirit, a way of living and sharing,” he said. “Club Med’s values—its French roots, its spirit of freedom, and its deep sense of kindness, inclusion, and care for people—are more relevant than ever.”
KARRYON UNPACKS: Club Med’s leadership shake-up signals continued investment in international growth and premium resort development. For the trade, this could mean more inventory, sharper guest expectations, and new chances to cross-sell to high-value clients. Maquaire’s retail and omnichannel experience hints at further innovation in product delivery and distribution.
