‘ Our People ’
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‘ Our People ’
Passionate about what they do, the team has a wide range of international experience and has developed, opened and operated high-profile luxury brand assets in most of the world’s high-end hotel and retreat markets.
The team has an established network of industry partners, contributing to its understanding of every aspect of hospitality, which helps to generate returns that owners and investors are proud of.
‘ The team comprises highly talented and experienced professionals in management, development, finance, commerce and technology ’
Founder & CEO
Blanche van Berckel
Director
Claude Attala
Chief Financial Officer
Gary Powell
Director of Business Development
Jean Law de Lauriston
Director of Technology & Compliance
Andreas Zografos
Operations Project Manager
Irene Guiotto
Management Executive
Céline Bierman
‘ BLANCHE VAN BERCKEL ’
FOUNDER & CEO
Blanche van Berckel, always at the vanguard of new developments, has recently launched Vous Hotels & Retreats, a new hotel management and development company, concept and brand that has ‘thoughtful luxury’ as its core philosophy, characterized by an independent spirit, with shared values of sustainability, service and quality.
With a deep understanding of the hotel industry she has consolidated her career with Vous Hotels & Retreats, blending industry insights, market innovation and her own unique perspective together on every hotel, restaurant and wellbeing project that Vous Hotels & Retreats is developing.
Blanche’s professional career has seen her working with the world’s major hotel companies and independently owned hotels. Her experiences include ten hotels, in a variety of executive roles. She successfully operated, repositioned, restructured and opened hotels for international groups and independently owned boutique properties in Europe. Through her consulting company B.V.B., Blanche has completed assignments for privately owned companies in Europe, the Caribbean and Thailand.
Known for her clear vision, and capability of setting out a strategy, she has delivered high-quality results through the teams she builds and leads. Her transparency, empathy, perseverance and attention to detail have procured her life-long relationships globally.
As a thought leader in Hotel Management and one of the few female entrepreneurs in hospitality today, she has earned industry respect and is a regular and experienced speaker at global hotel investment events.
Blanche currently lives in the United Kingdom but her sense of home is linked to the many summers spent in Walcheren, Zeeland in the Netherlands.
With a deep understanding of the hotel industry she has consolidated her career with Vous Hotels & Retreats, blending industry insights, market innovation and her own unique perspective together on every hotel, restaurant and wellbeing project that Vous Hotels & Retreats is developing.
Blanche’s professional career has seen her working with the world’s major hotel companies and independently owned hotels. Her experiences include ten hotels, in a variety of executive roles. She successfully operated, repositioned, restructured and opened hotels for international groups and independently owned boutique properties in Europe. Through her consulting company B.V.B., Blanche has completed assignments for privately owned companies in Europe, the Caribbean and Thailand.
Known for her clear vision, and capability of setting out a strategy, she has delivered high-quality results through the teams she builds and leads. Her transparency, empathy, perseverance and attention to detail have procured her life-long relationships globally.
As a thought leader in Hotel Management and one of the few female entrepreneurs in hospitality today, she has earned industry respect and is a regular and experienced speaker at global hotel investment events.
Blanche currently lives in the United Kingdom but her sense of home is linked to the many summers spent in Walcheren, Zeeland in the Netherlands.
‘ CLAUDE ATTALA ’
DIRECTOR
‘ When we acknowledge that the earth we walk upon is not just dirt, that the trees and animals are not just resources for our consumption, then we can begin to accept ourselves as spirits vibrating in unison with all the other spirits around us. Our connection to these living spirits helps determine the kind of intimate life we live ’
Sobonfu Somé
This quotation from The Spirit of Intimacy by Sobonfu Somé, the South African writer, has inspired Claude Attala’s thoughts, personality and passion. It has continually led him to think of breakthrough concepts in the most extraordinary and interesting places; and to be involved in the development of unique innovative luxury real estate and hospitality projects.
Claude Attala is well known within the hospitality and real estate industry for his experience in management, consulting, development and strategic planning. He brings with him extensive experience and a strong track record of achievements in leading and contributing to concept design, strategic growth, diversification and profitability of real estate development companies, consulting, hotel operating and owning companies. Claude’s experience is grounded in a truly global perspective having worked extensively across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Why Vous Hotels & Retreats? Claude has dreamed of operating and developing a new variety of hotels; one that is at home both in the jungle and in refined surroundings. It is a collection of hotels and retreats that are sociable, personable and have abundant atmosphere; with elegance and authenticity, vibrancy and calm.
As Chief Hospitality Officer of Shamayel Development Company, the master developer of ‘Mayasem’ a 1.6 millionsquare-metre, mixed-use development in the city of Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, he oversees the development of the company’s hospitality, branded residential, entertainment and retail project portfolio.
Sobonfu Somé
This quotation from The Spirit of Intimacy by Sobonfu Somé, the South African writer, has inspired Claude Attala’s thoughts, personality and passion. It has continually led him to think of breakthrough concepts in the most extraordinary and interesting places; and to be involved in the development of unique innovative luxury real estate and hospitality projects.
Claude Attala is well known within the hospitality and real estate industry for his experience in management, consulting, development and strategic planning. He brings with him extensive experience and a strong track record of achievements in leading and contributing to concept design, strategic growth, diversification and profitability of real estate development companies, consulting, hotel operating and owning companies. Claude’s experience is grounded in a truly global perspective having worked extensively across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Why Vous Hotels & Retreats? Claude has dreamed of operating and developing a new variety of hotels; one that is at home both in the jungle and in refined surroundings. It is a collection of hotels and retreats that are sociable, personable and have abundant atmosphere; with elegance and authenticity, vibrancy and calm.
As Chief Hospitality Officer of Shamayel Development Company, the master developer of ‘Mayasem’ a 1.6 millionsquare-metre, mixed-use development in the city of Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, he oversees the development of the company’s hospitality, branded residential, entertainment and retail project portfolio.
‘ ANDREAS ZOGRAFOS ’
DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY & COMPLIANCE
A technology geek on a global travel run, having implemented Technology in all five continents, with more than 15 years’ of IT experience including broad-based management in Hotels, Systems Design, Development, Implementation and Support, Andreas is an expert in strategic and efficient utilization of technology in alignment with corporate goals. He consistently improves delivery times and service levels towards Hotel owners and Guests satisfaction.
He excels at strategic planning, building high-performance teams, project management, and implementing best practice methodologies and continuous improvement programs.
Recently Group Chief Information Officer for Marlon Abela Restaurants Corporation, a two Michelin star group of restaurants based in London, he is now engaged to Vous Hotels & Retreats on all aspects of Technology & Compliance.
Prior to this, holding global leadership roles, he was with Grace Hotels & Resorts and Dorchester Collection among many other five-star luxury hospitality operators.
His diverse expertise covers Business & Digital transformations, Intuitive and innovative technology delivery, AI and machine learning implementations among other new principles to transform the hotel CRM environment towards the use of data and analytics. Adopting the best of industry practices, he has led compliance projects including ITIL, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS and GDPR building strong foundation towards the brand standards, policies and futureproof new hotel designs.
Focused on innovation for future growth, data security, business financial efficiency and distribution with the use of Technology, Andreas, is an effective advocate for hotel teams, hotel owners and business partners with the ability to distil complexity and ambiguity to provide sound solutions. Andreas has held global leadership and executive roles, allowing him to establish strategic and tactical goals across all geographies.
However, these techno abilities have not lessened his appreciation for slow travel and hospitality. The fast-paced hub of London may be home but his ideal escape would be a wireless-free beach on Aruba in the Caribbean.
He excels at strategic planning, building high-performance teams, project management, and implementing best practice methodologies and continuous improvement programs.
Recently Group Chief Information Officer for Marlon Abela Restaurants Corporation, a two Michelin star group of restaurants based in London, he is now engaged to Vous Hotels & Retreats on all aspects of Technology & Compliance.
Prior to this, holding global leadership roles, he was with Grace Hotels & Resorts and Dorchester Collection among many other five-star luxury hospitality operators.
His diverse expertise covers Business & Digital transformations, Intuitive and innovative technology delivery, AI and machine learning implementations among other new principles to transform the hotel CRM environment towards the use of data and analytics. Adopting the best of industry practices, he has led compliance projects including ITIL, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS and GDPR building strong foundation towards the brand standards, policies and futureproof new hotel designs.
Focused on innovation for future growth, data security, business financial efficiency and distribution with the use of Technology, Andreas, is an effective advocate for hotel teams, hotel owners and business partners with the ability to distil complexity and ambiguity to provide sound solutions. Andreas has held global leadership and executive roles, allowing him to establish strategic and tactical goals across all geographies.
However, these techno abilities have not lessened his appreciation for slow travel and hospitality. The fast-paced hub of London may be home but his ideal escape would be a wireless-free beach on Aruba in the Caribbean.
‘ IRENE GUIOTTO ’
OPERATIONS PROJECT MANAGER
Irene is an hospitality professional with a strong background in Food and Beverage operations and management.
Her previous experiences include a long tenure at Hotel Café Royal during which she was able to gain a deep understanding of all aspects of F&B and luxury hotel operations and develop her management skills. She then moved on to Rocco Forte’s Brown’s Hotel, where she combined centuries old service traditions with the modern needs for efficiency and organisation. Before joining Vous’ she worked for the Soho House & Co. group gaining important know-how of large scale operations for a company with a broad portfolio of international sites and interests in the modern lifestyle industry.
Irene has an innate passion for hospitality and is always looking to bring her strong values and a little bit of kindness into her work. She has a real interest in environmental and ethical practices and believes that the travel industry could be a force for positive change if it embraced sustainability.
Originally from northern Italy, she loves her home country’s flavours and traditions but London is where she feels most at home. She especially enjoys its arts and museums scene and its unparalleled restaurants and bars culture.
‘ People will forget what you said, forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel ’
Maya Angelou
Her previous experiences include a long tenure at Hotel Café Royal during which she was able to gain a deep understanding of all aspects of F&B and luxury hotel operations and develop her management skills. She then moved on to Rocco Forte’s Brown’s Hotel, where she combined centuries old service traditions with the modern needs for efficiency and organisation. Before joining Vous’ she worked for the Soho House & Co. group gaining important know-how of large scale operations for a company with a broad portfolio of international sites and interests in the modern lifestyle industry.
Irene has an innate passion for hospitality and is always looking to bring her strong values and a little bit of kindness into her work. She has a real interest in environmental and ethical practices and believes that the travel industry could be a force for positive change if it embraced sustainability.
Originally from northern Italy, she loves her home country’s flavours and traditions but London is where she feels most at home. She especially enjoys its arts and museums scene and its unparalleled restaurants and bars culture.
‘ People will forget what you said, forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel ’
Maya Angelou
‘ CÉLINE BIERMAN ’
MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE
Céline is the youngest member of the Vous team. Graduated with Honours from Glion Institute of Higher Education in 2019 with a BA in Hospitality Management and a specialisation in Luxury Brand Management. Glion has encouraged Céline to be curious and to broaden her horizon.
Following Glion and two internships, in Food & Beverage operations at Hotel Café Royal and Corporate Communications at IHG, She has gained additional operational experience at The Arts Club, London.
Céline has been part of the Vous conversation and creation from the onset and will be the first to join the team as Management Executive. In this position she will have full exposure, through this both Céline and Vous’ management can set out a career path that supports her growth with the company whilst also pursuing a future MBA degree.
Céline stands out for having a real love for the industry and being extremely up to date on what is happening, whether hotels, travel, F&B, lifestyle, beauty & fashion. They encompass many of her personal interests. Through her international upbringing and speaking three languages fluently she is keen to meet people from all walks of life. She is ambitious, efficient and always up for a challenge.
‘ The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams ’
Eleanor Roosevelt
Following Glion and two internships, in Food & Beverage operations at Hotel Café Royal and Corporate Communications at IHG, She has gained additional operational experience at The Arts Club, London.
Céline has been part of the Vous conversation and creation from the onset and will be the first to join the team as Management Executive. In this position she will have full exposure, through this both Céline and Vous’ management can set out a career path that supports her growth with the company whilst also pursuing a future MBA degree.
Céline stands out for having a real love for the industry and being extremely up to date on what is happening, whether hotels, travel, F&B, lifestyle, beauty & fashion. They encompass many of her personal interests. Through her international upbringing and speaking three languages fluently she is keen to meet people from all walks of life. She is ambitious, efficient and always up for a challenge.
‘ The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams ’
Eleanor Roosevelt
You could define her as a TCK (a Third Culture Kid) since, as a true global citizen, she has lived in many different countries both throughout her childhood as well as during her professional life. These include Serbia, Morocco, Belgium, Japan, Israel, Switzerland, USA, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, and Thailand.
Blanche has learned to embrace other cultures and acquired an eclectic taste. All of this has contributed to her understanding of the world, and its many ways of experiencing it; she is always eager to explore new horizons. Her interests are architecture, design, modern art, bringing people together, entertainment, food and cooking. Wellbeing in all its aspects is part of her daily life.
She has an innate sense for ‘what sets something apart’ and is the kind of person who ‘dares’, who ‘opens doors and finds a way’.
Vous Hotels & Retreats is her fresh vision of luxury hospitality, serving a diverse community of influential and curious guests who are passionate about sustainability, nature and culture away from big cities, making Blanche part of a new generation of voices who are developing a sustainable vision for the hotel industry.
‘ You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make ’
Jane Goodall
Blanche has learned to embrace other cultures and acquired an eclectic taste. All of this has contributed to her understanding of the world, and its many ways of experiencing it; she is always eager to explore new horizons. Her interests are architecture, design, modern art, bringing people together, entertainment, food and cooking. Wellbeing in all its aspects is part of her daily life.
She has an innate sense for ‘what sets something apart’ and is the kind of person who ‘dares’, who ‘opens doors and finds a way’.
Vous Hotels & Retreats is her fresh vision of luxury hospitality, serving a diverse community of influential and curious guests who are passionate about sustainability, nature and culture away from big cities, making Blanche part of a new generation of voices who are developing a sustainable vision for the hotel industry.
‘ You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make ’
Jane Goodall
In the past, he served as Co-Founder and Managing Partner for Z.65 Vision Collaborative, a development, design and advisory company with a key focus on residential and hotel developments in Africa.
As part of a unique proposition, Z.65 offered development partners, design, marketing and branding, hotel management operations and sourcing investments as a one-stop consulting practice with ‘The Urban Lodge’ concept - straightforward, contemporary, stylish hotels planned to be located in vibrant cities in Africa.
He has also worked at Northcourse Advisory (the global hospitality and leisure real estate consulting arm of Wyndham Worldwide) in the capacity of Global Managing Director. Claude led a global team of consultants and provided advice on concept development, feasibility studies, business modelling and operator negotiations; and played an integral role in the joint venture negotiations with Qatari Diar to establish and manage a real estate brokerage entity based in Qatar with a focus on sales and marketing of Qatari Diar’s luxury real estate portfolio.
Prior to Northcourse, Claude was Head of Planning and Operations for the Qatar Tourism Authority, a statutory body with wide-ranging responsibilities for building the State of Qatar’s tourism industry and played an important role in the preparation of a long-term strategic development plan for tourism for the
As part of a unique proposition, Z.65 offered development partners, design, marketing and branding, hotel management operations and sourcing investments as a one-stop consulting practice with ‘The Urban Lodge’ concept - straightforward, contemporary, stylish hotels planned to be located in vibrant cities in Africa.
He has also worked at Northcourse Advisory (the global hospitality and leisure real estate consulting arm of Wyndham Worldwide) in the capacity of Global Managing Director. Claude led a global team of consultants and provided advice on concept development, feasibility studies, business modelling and operator negotiations; and played an integral role in the joint venture negotiations with Qatari Diar to establish and manage a real estate brokerage entity based in Qatar with a focus on sales and marketing of Qatari Diar’s luxury real estate portfolio.
Prior to Northcourse, Claude was Head of Planning and Operations for the Qatar Tourism Authority, a statutory body with wide-ranging responsibilities for building the State of Qatar’s tourism industry and played an important role in the preparation of a long-term strategic development plan for tourism for the
‘ GARY POWELL ’
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Gary is a very commercial and experienced CFO with extensive experience of the hospitality industry from both a development and investment perspective. He has worked for blue chip companies and has a passion for entrepreneurial businesses.
He qualified with BDO in London in 1998 and following a secondment to their New York office he returned to London and joined Universal Studios in internal audit. An extensive seven years of experience followed this working for the Virgin Group, firstly as an Investment Analyst for the Virgin branded portfolio of companies in Virgin Management and then his first operational role as Financial & Commercial Director of Virgin Hotels. This included the management, development and acquisitions of a luxury international hotel portfolio with properties in Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, America and Australia.
Following Virgin Hotels, Gary became The Finance Director for Armani Hotels and Resorts, a branded hotel company which was a JV with Emaar Hotels and Resorts and Giorgio Armani S.A. The first hotel was opened in Milan followed by the second in the Burj Khalfia Tower in Dubai.
More recent hospitality experience includes working for the Grosvenor Estate as Finance Director and also in the role of Hotels Portfolio Director. He was responsible for the Investment and Development of hotels on the London Estate. Examples of the transactions he worked on are the development of the Beaumont Hotel in Mayfair and he also led the operator selection and transaction negotiations for the Peninsula Hotel & Residences, a £1bn development on Hyde Park Corner in London.
Other roles Gary has held in senior finance positions including being the CFO of Candy & Candy, property developers, and also Elysian Residences, high end senior living property development.
He qualified with BDO in London in 1998 and following a secondment to their New York office he returned to London and joined Universal Studios in internal audit. An extensive seven years of experience followed this working for the Virgin Group, firstly as an Investment Analyst for the Virgin branded portfolio of companies in Virgin Management and then his first operational role as Financial & Commercial Director of Virgin Hotels. This included the management, development and acquisitions of a luxury international hotel portfolio with properties in Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, America and Australia.
Following Virgin Hotels, Gary became The Finance Director for Armani Hotels and Resorts, a branded hotel company which was a JV with Emaar Hotels and Resorts and Giorgio Armani S.A. The first hotel was opened in Milan followed by the second in the Burj Khalfia Tower in Dubai.
More recent hospitality experience includes working for the Grosvenor Estate as Finance Director and also in the role of Hotels Portfolio Director. He was responsible for the Investment and Development of hotels on the London Estate. Examples of the transactions he worked on are the development of the Beaumont Hotel in Mayfair and he also led the operator selection and transaction negotiations for the Peninsula Hotel & Residences, a £1bn development on Hyde Park Corner in London.
Other roles Gary has held in senior finance positions including being the CFO of Candy & Candy, property developers, and also Elysian Residences, high end senior living property development.
‘ JEAN LAW DE LAURISTON ’
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Jean de Lauriston is always in search of new things and is interested in discovering new horizons and other cultures.
He is especially fascinated by unique places and the natural world: one of his best journeys was by boat to the Galapagos.
He is equally passionate about his work with Vous Hotels & Retreats which he joined in 2018 to work as Director of Business Development. In this role his remit is researching and developing new opportunities, market research and being an excellent communicator of ‘the brand’ at all times. Based in Brussels, he is one of the hospitality industry’s foremost Sales and Marketing leaders with more than 25 years’ experience in the sector.
He has worked as Director of Sales and Marketing at Steigenberger Wiltcher’s (awarded ‘Belgium’s Leading Hotel 2015’ by World Travel Awards), Regional Sales and Marketing Director for the Warwick and, prior to these two posts, he was Director of Sales and Marketing at the Rocco Forte Amigo Hotel where he successfully positioned the Amigo as being the first-choice hotel partner for delegations, high-end events for the US Embassy, and the German and French Head of States.
He is the kind of person who likes to build relationships and to introduce people. But his real joy is escaping to his favourite hotel on a fjord in Norway or exploring the Tuscan countryside where he sees the trends for personal and local experiences at first hand.
A strong team leader, Jean’s current focus is in developing new markets, long-term strategies, business plans, and e-commerce. In addition to French, his mother tongue, he is also fluent in English and has a good understanding of Spanish and Norwegian. Creative, mindful of trends and open to change and innovation, his predictions of the next up-and-coming destinations are Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil.
He is especially fascinated by unique places and the natural world: one of his best journeys was by boat to the Galapagos.
He is equally passionate about his work with Vous Hotels & Retreats which he joined in 2018 to work as Director of Business Development. In this role his remit is researching and developing new opportunities, market research and being an excellent communicator of ‘the brand’ at all times. Based in Brussels, he is one of the hospitality industry’s foremost Sales and Marketing leaders with more than 25 years’ experience in the sector.
He has worked as Director of Sales and Marketing at Steigenberger Wiltcher’s (awarded ‘Belgium’s Leading Hotel 2015’ by World Travel Awards), Regional Sales and Marketing Director for the Warwick and, prior to these two posts, he was Director of Sales and Marketing at the Rocco Forte Amigo Hotel where he successfully positioned the Amigo as being the first-choice hotel partner for delegations, high-end events for the US Embassy, and the German and French Head of States.
He is the kind of person who likes to build relationships and to introduce people. But his real joy is escaping to his favourite hotel on a fjord in Norway or exploring the Tuscan countryside where he sees the trends for personal and local experiences at first hand.
A strong team leader, Jean’s current focus is in developing new markets, long-term strategies, business plans, and e-commerce. In addition to French, his mother tongue, he is also fluent in English and has a good understanding of Spanish and Norwegian. Creative, mindful of trends and open to change and innovation, his predictions of the next up-and-coming destinations are Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil.
‘ BLANCHE VAN BERCKEL ’
FOUNDER & CEO
Blanche van Berckel, always at the vanguard of new developments, has recently launched Vous Hotels & Retreats, a new hotel management and development company, concept and brand that has ‘thoughtful luxury’ as its core philosophy, characterized by an independent spirit, with shared values of sustainability, service and quality.
With a deep understanding of the hotel industry she has consolidated her career with Vous Hotels & Retreats, blending industry insights, market innovation and her own unique perspective together on every hotel, restaurant and wellbeing project that Vous Hotels & Retreats is developing.
Blanche’s professional career has seen her working with the world’s major hotel companies and independently owned hotels. Her experiences include ten hotels, in a variety of executive roles. She successfully operated, repositioned, restructured and opened hotels for international groups and independently owned boutique properties in Europe. Through her consulting company B.V.B., Blanche has completed assignments for privately owned companies in Europe, the Caribbean and Thailand.
Known for her clear vision, and capability of setting out a strategy, she has delivered high-quality results through the teams she builds and leads. Her transparency, empathy, perseverance and attention to detail have procured her life-long relationships globally.
As a thought leader in Hotel Management and one of the few female entrepreneurs in hospitality today, she has earned industry respect and is a regular and experienced speaker at global hotel investment events.
Blanche currently lives in the United Kingdom but her sense of home is linked to the many summers spent in Walcheren, Zeeland in the Netherlands.
With a deep understanding of the hotel industry she has consolidated her career with Vous Hotels & Retreats, blending industry insights, market innovation and her own unique perspective together on every hotel, restaurant and wellbeing project that Vous Hotels & Retreats is developing.
Blanche’s professional career has seen her working with the world’s major hotel companies and independently owned hotels. Her experiences include ten hotels, in a variety of executive roles. She successfully operated, repositioned, restructured and opened hotels for international groups and independently owned boutique properties in Europe. Through her consulting company B.V.B., Blanche has completed assignments for privately owned companies in Europe, the Caribbean and Thailand.
Known for her clear vision, and capability of setting out a strategy, she has delivered high-quality results through the teams she builds and leads. Her transparency, empathy, perseverance and attention to detail have procured her life-long relationships globally.
As a thought leader in Hotel Management and one of the few female entrepreneurs in hospitality today, she has earned industry respect and is a regular and experienced speaker at global hotel investment events.
Blanche currently lives in the United Kingdom but her sense of home is linked to the many summers spent in Walcheren, Zeeland in the Netherlands.
You could define her as a TCK (a Third Culture Kid) since, as a true global citizen, she has lived in many different countries both throughout her childhood as well as during her professional life. These include Serbia, Morocco, Belgium, Japan, Israel, Switzerland, USA, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, and Thailand.
Blanche has learned to embrace other cultures and acquired an eclectic taste. All of this has contributed to her understanding of the world, and its many ways of experiencing it; she is always eager to explore new horizons. Her interests are architecture, design, modern art, bringing people together, entertainment, food and cooking. Wellbeing in all its aspects is part of her daily life.
She has an innate sense for ‘what sets something apart’ and is the kind of person who ‘dares’, who ‘opens doors and finds a way’.
Vous Hotels & Retreats is her fresh vision of luxury hospitality, serving a diverse community of influential and curious guests who are passionate about sustainability, nature and culture away from big cities, making Blanche part of a new generation of voices who are developing a sustainable vision for the hotel industry.
‘ You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make ’
Jane Goodall
Blanche has learned to embrace other cultures and acquired an eclectic taste. All of this has contributed to her understanding of the world, and its many ways of experiencing it; she is always eager to explore new horizons. Her interests are architecture, design, modern art, bringing people together, entertainment, food and cooking. Wellbeing in all its aspects is part of her daily life.
She has an innate sense for ‘what sets something apart’ and is the kind of person who ‘dares’, who ‘opens doors and finds a way’.
Vous Hotels & Retreats is her fresh vision of luxury hospitality, serving a diverse community of influential and curious guests who are passionate about sustainability, nature and culture away from big cities, making Blanche part of a new generation of voices who are developing a sustainable vision for the hotel industry.
‘ You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make ’
Jane Goodall
‘ CLAUDE ATTALA ’
DIRECTOR
‘ When we acknowledge that the earth we walk upon is not just dirt, that the trees and animals are not just resources for our consumption, then we can begin to accept ourselves as spirits vibrating in unison with all the other spirits around us. Our connection to these living spirits helps determine the kind of intimate life we live ’
Sobonfu Somé
This quotation from The Spirit of Intimacy by Sobonfu Somé, the South African writer, has inspired Claude Attala’s thoughts, personality and passion. It has continually led him to think of breakthrough concepts in the most extraordinary and interesting places; and to be involved in the development of unique innovative luxury real estate and hospitality projects.
Claude Attala is well known within the hospitality and real estate industry for his experience in management, consulting, development and strategic planning. He brings with him extensive experience and a strong track record of achievements in leading and contributing to concept design, strategic growth, diversification and profitability of real estate development companies, consulting, hotel operating and owning companies. Claude’s experience is grounded in a truly global perspective having worked extensively across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Why Vous Hotels & Retreats? Claude has dreamed of operating and developing a new variety of hotels; one that is at home both in the jungle and in refined surroundings. It is a collection of hotels and retreats that are sociable, personable and have abundant atmosphere; with elegance and authenticity, vibrancy and calm.
As Chief Hospitality Officer of Shamayel Development Company, the master developer of ‘Mayasem’ a 1.6 millionsquare-metre, mixed-use development in the city of Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, he oversees the development of the company’s hospitality, branded residential, entertainment and retail project portfolio.
Sobonfu Somé
This quotation from The Spirit of Intimacy by Sobonfu Somé, the South African writer, has inspired Claude Attala’s thoughts, personality and passion. It has continually led him to think of breakthrough concepts in the most extraordinary and interesting places; and to be involved in the development of unique innovative luxury real estate and hospitality projects.
Claude Attala is well known within the hospitality and real estate industry for his experience in management, consulting, development and strategic planning. He brings with him extensive experience and a strong track record of achievements in leading and contributing to concept design, strategic growth, diversification and profitability of real estate development companies, consulting, hotel operating and owning companies. Claude’s experience is grounded in a truly global perspective having worked extensively across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Why Vous Hotels & Retreats? Claude has dreamed of operating and developing a new variety of hotels; one that is at home both in the jungle and in refined surroundings. It is a collection of hotels and retreats that are sociable, personable and have abundant atmosphere; with elegance and authenticity, vibrancy and calm.
As Chief Hospitality Officer of Shamayel Development Company, the master developer of ‘Mayasem’ a 1.6 millionsquare-metre, mixed-use development in the city of Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, he oversees the development of the company’s hospitality, branded residential, entertainment and retail project portfolio.
In the past, he served as Co-Founder and Managing Partner for Z.65 Vision Collaborative, a development, design and advisory company with a key focus on residential and hotel developments in Africa.
As part of a unique proposition, Z.65 offered development partners, design, marketing and branding, hotel management operations and sourcing investments as a one-stop consulting practice with ‘The Urban Lodge’ concept - straightforward, contemporary, stylish hotels planned to be located in vibrant cities in Africa.
He has also worked at Northcourse Advisory (the global hospitality and leisure real estate consulting arm of Wyndham Worldwide) in the capacity of Global Managing Director. Claude led a global team of consultants and provided advice on concept development, feasibility studies, business modelling and operator negotiations; and played an integral role in the joint venture negotiations with Qatari Diar to establish and manage a real estate brokerage entity based in Qatar with a focus on sales and marketing of Qatari Diar’s luxury real estate portfolio.
Prior to Northcourse, Claude was Head of Planning and Operations for the Qatar Tourism Authority, a statutory body with wide-ranging responsibilities for building the State of Qatar’s tourism industry and played an important role in the preparation of a long-term strategic development plan for tourism for the
As part of a unique proposition, Z.65 offered development partners, design, marketing and branding, hotel management operations and sourcing investments as a one-stop consulting practice with ‘The Urban Lodge’ concept - straightforward, contemporary, stylish hotels planned to be located in vibrant cities in Africa.
He has also worked at Northcourse Advisory (the global hospitality and leisure real estate consulting arm of Wyndham Worldwide) in the capacity of Global Managing Director. Claude led a global team of consultants and provided advice on concept development, feasibility studies, business modelling and operator negotiations; and played an integral role in the joint venture negotiations with Qatari Diar to establish and manage a real estate brokerage entity based in Qatar with a focus on sales and marketing of Qatari Diar’s luxury real estate portfolio.
Prior to Northcourse, Claude was Head of Planning and Operations for the Qatar Tourism Authority, a statutory body with wide-ranging responsibilities for building the State of Qatar’s tourism industry and played an important role in the preparation of a long-term strategic development plan for tourism for the
‘ GARY POWELL ’
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Gary is a very commercial and experienced CFO with extensive experience of the hospitality industry from both a development and investment perspective. He has worked for blue chip companies and has a passion for entrepreneurial businesses.
He qualified with BDO in London in 1998 and following a secondment to their New York office he returned to London and joined Universal Studios in internal audit. An extensive seven years of experience followed this working for the Virgin Group, firstly as an Investment Analyst for the Virgin branded portfolio of companies in Virgin Management and then his first operational role as Financial & Commercial Director of Virgin Hotels. This included the management, development and acquisitions of a luxury international hotel portfolio with properties in Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, America and Australia.
Following Virgin Hotels, Gary became The Finance Director for Armani Hotels and Resorts, a branded hotel company which was a JV with Emaar Hotels and Resorts and Giorgio Armani S.A. The first hotel was opened in Milan followed by the second in the Burj Khalfia Tower in Dubai.
More recent hospitality experience includes working for the Grosvenor Estate as Finance Director and also in the role of Hotels Portfolio Director. He was responsible for the Investment and Development of hotels on the London Estate. Examples of the transactions he worked on are the development of the Beaumont Hotel in Mayfair and he also led the operator selection and transaction negotiations for the Peninsula Hotel & Residences, a £1bn development on Hyde Park Corner in London.
Other roles Gary has held in senior finance positions including being the CFO of Candy & Candy, property developers, and also Elysian Residences, high end senior living property development.
He qualified with BDO in London in 1998 and following a secondment to their New York office he returned to London and joined Universal Studios in internal audit. An extensive seven years of experience followed this working for the Virgin Group, firstly as an Investment Analyst for the Virgin branded portfolio of companies in Virgin Management and then his first operational role as Financial & Commercial Director of Virgin Hotels. This included the management, development and acquisitions of a luxury international hotel portfolio with properties in Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, America and Australia.
Following Virgin Hotels, Gary became The Finance Director for Armani Hotels and Resorts, a branded hotel company which was a JV with Emaar Hotels and Resorts and Giorgio Armani S.A. The first hotel was opened in Milan followed by the second in the Burj Khalfia Tower in Dubai.
More recent hospitality experience includes working for the Grosvenor Estate as Finance Director and also in the role of Hotels Portfolio Director. He was responsible for the Investment and Development of hotels on the London Estate. Examples of the transactions he worked on are the development of the Beaumont Hotel in Mayfair and he also led the operator selection and transaction negotiations for the Peninsula Hotel & Residences, a £1bn development on Hyde Park Corner in London.
Other roles Gary has held in senior finance positions including being the CFO of Candy & Candy, property developers, and also Elysian Residences, high end senior living property development.
‘ JEAN LAW DE LAURISTON ’
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Jean de Lauriston is always in search of new things and is interested in discovering new horizons and other cultures.
He is especially fascinated by unique places and the natural world: one of his best journeys was by boat to the Galapagos.
He is equally passionate about his work with Vous Hotels & Retreats which he joined in 2018 to work as Director of Business Development. In this role his remit is researching and developing new opportunities, market research and being an excellent communicator of ‘the brand’ at all times. Based in Brussels, he is one of the hospitality industry’s foremost Sales and Marketing leaders with more than 25 years’ experience in the sector.
He has worked as Director of Sales and Marketing at Steigenberger Wiltcher’s (awarded ‘Belgium’s Leading Hotel 2015’ by World Travel Awards), Regional Sales and Marketing Director for the Warwick and, prior to these two posts, he was Director of Sales and Marketing at the Rocco Forte Amigo Hotel where he successfully positioned the Amigo as being the first-choice hotel partner for delegations, high-end events for the US Embassy, and the German and French Head of States.
He is the kind of person who likes to build relationships and to introduce people. But his real joy is escaping to his favourite hotel on a fjord in Norway or exploring the Tuscan countryside where he sees the trends for personal and local experiences at first hand.
A strong team leader, Jean’s current focus is in developing new markets, long-term strategies, business plans, and e-commerce. In addition to French, his mother tongue, he is also fluent in English and has a good understanding of Spanish and Norwegian. Creative, mindful of trends and open to change and innovation, his predictions of the next up-and-coming destinations are Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil.
He is especially fascinated by unique places and the natural world: one of his best journeys was by boat to the Galapagos.
He is equally passionate about his work with Vous Hotels & Retreats which he joined in 2018 to work as Director of Business Development. In this role his remit is researching and developing new opportunities, market research and being an excellent communicator of ‘the brand’ at all times. Based in Brussels, he is one of the hospitality industry’s foremost Sales and Marketing leaders with more than 25 years’ experience in the sector.
He has worked as Director of Sales and Marketing at Steigenberger Wiltcher’s (awarded ‘Belgium’s Leading Hotel 2015’ by World Travel Awards), Regional Sales and Marketing Director for the Warwick and, prior to these two posts, he was Director of Sales and Marketing at the Rocco Forte Amigo Hotel where he successfully positioned the Amigo as being the first-choice hotel partner for delegations, high-end events for the US Embassy, and the German and French Head of States.
He is the kind of person who likes to build relationships and to introduce people. But his real joy is escaping to his favourite hotel on a fjord in Norway or exploring the Tuscan countryside where he sees the trends for personal and local experiences at first hand.
A strong team leader, Jean’s current focus is in developing new markets, long-term strategies, business plans, and e-commerce. In addition to French, his mother tongue, he is also fluent in English and has a good understanding of Spanish and Norwegian. Creative, mindful of trends and open to change and innovation, his predictions of the next up-and-coming destinations are Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil.
‘ ANDREAS ZOGRAFOS ’
DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY & COMPLIANCE
A technology geek on a global travel run, having implemented Technology in all five continents, with more than 15 years’ of IT experience including broad-based management in Hotels, Systems Design, Development, Implementation and Support, Andreas is an expert in strategic and efficient utilization of technology in alignment with corporate goals. He consistently improves delivery times and service levels towards Hotel owners and Guests satisfaction.
He excels at strategic planning, building high-performance teams, project management, and implementing best practice methodologies and continuous improvement programs.
Recently Group Chief Information Officer for Marlon Abela Restaurants Corporation, a two Michelin star group of restaurants based in London, he is now engaged to Vous Hotels & Retreats on all aspects of Technology & Compliance.
Prior to this, holding global leadership roles, he was with Grace Hotels & Resorts and Dorchester Collection among many other five-star luxury hospitality operators.
His diverse expertise covers Business & Digital transformations, Intuitive and innovative technology delivery, AI and machine learning implementations among other new principles to transform the hotel CRM environment towards the use of data and analytics. Adopting the best of industry practices, he has led compliance projects including ITIL, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS and GDPR building strong foundation towards the brand standards, policies and futureproof new hotel designs.
Focused on innovation for future growth, data security, business financial efficiency and distribution with the use of Technology, Andreas, is an effective advocate for hotel teams, hotel owners and business partners with the ability to distil complexity and ambiguity to provide sound solutions. Andreas has held global leadership and executive roles, allowing him to establish strategic and tactical goals across all geographies.
However, these techno abilities have not lessened his appreciation for slow travel and hospitality. The fast-paced hub of London may be home but his ideal escape would be a wireless-free beach on Aruba in the Caribbean.
He excels at strategic planning, building high-performance teams, project management, and implementing best practice methodologies and continuous improvement programs.
Recently Group Chief Information Officer for Marlon Abela Restaurants Corporation, a two Michelin star group of restaurants based in London, he is now engaged to Vous Hotels & Retreats on all aspects of Technology & Compliance.
Prior to this, holding global leadership roles, he was with Grace Hotels & Resorts and Dorchester Collection among many other five-star luxury hospitality operators.
His diverse expertise covers Business & Digital transformations, Intuitive and innovative technology delivery, AI and machine learning implementations among other new principles to transform the hotel CRM environment towards the use of data and analytics. Adopting the best of industry practices, he has led compliance projects including ITIL, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS and GDPR building strong foundation towards the brand standards, policies and futureproof new hotel designs.
Focused on innovation for future growth, data security, business financial efficiency and distribution with the use of Technology, Andreas, is an effective advocate for hotel teams, hotel owners and business partners with the ability to distil complexity and ambiguity to provide sound solutions. Andreas has held global leadership and executive roles, allowing him to establish strategic and tactical goals across all geographies.
However, these techno abilities have not lessened his appreciation for slow travel and hospitality. The fast-paced hub of London may be home but his ideal escape would be a wireless-free beach on Aruba in the Caribbean.
‘ IRENE GUIOTTO ’
OPERATIONS PROJECT MANAGER
Irene is an hospitality professional with a strong background in Food and Beverage operations and management.
Her previous experiences include a long tenure at Hotel Café Royal during which she was able to gain a deep understanding of all aspects of F&B and luxury hotel operations and develop her management skills. She then moved on to Rocco Forte’s Brown’s Hotel, where she combined centuries old service traditions with the modern needs for efficiency and organisation. Before joining Vous’ she worked for the Soho House & Co. group gaining important know-how of large scale operations for a company with a broad portfolio of international sites and interests in the modern lifestyle industry.
Irene has an innate passion for hospitality and is always looking to bring her strong values and a little bit of kindness into her work. She has a real interest in environmental and ethical practices and believes that the travel industry could be a force for positive change if it embraced sustainability.
Originally from northern Italy, she loves her home country’s flavours and traditions but London is where she feels most at home. She especially enjoys its arts and museums scene and its unparalleled restaurants and bars culture.
‘ People will forget what you said, forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel ’
Maya Angelou
Her previous experiences include a long tenure at Hotel Café Royal during which she was able to gain a deep understanding of all aspects of F&B and luxury hotel operations and develop her management skills. She then moved on to Rocco Forte’s Brown’s Hotel, where she combined centuries old service traditions with the modern needs for efficiency and organisation. Before joining Vous’ she worked for the Soho House & Co. group gaining important know-how of large scale operations for a company with a broad portfolio of international sites and interests in the modern lifestyle industry.
Irene has an innate passion for hospitality and is always looking to bring her strong values and a little bit of kindness into her work. She has a real interest in environmental and ethical practices and believes that the travel industry could be a force for positive change if it embraced sustainability.
Originally from northern Italy, she loves her home country’s flavours and traditions but London is where she feels most at home. She especially enjoys its arts and museums scene and its unparalleled restaurants and bars culture.
‘ People will forget what you said, forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel ’
Maya Angelou
‘ CÉLINE BIERMAN ’
MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE
Céline is the youngest member of the Vous team. Graduated with Honours from Glion Institute of Higher Education in 2019 with a BA in Hospitality Management and a specialisation in Luxury Brand Management. Glion has encouraged Céline to be curious and to broaden her horizon.
Following Glion and two internships, in Food & Beverage operations at Hotel Café Royal and Corporate Communications at IHG, She has gained additional operational experience at The Arts Club, London.
Céline has been part of the Vous conversation and creation from the onset and will be the first to join the team as Management Executive. In this position she will have full exposure, through this both Céline and Vous’ management can set out a career path that supports her growth with the company whilst also pursuing a future MBA degree.
Céline stands out for having a real love for the industry and being extremely up to date on what is happening, whether hotels, travel, F&B, lifestyle, beauty & fashion. They encompass many of her personal interests. Through her international upbringing and speaking three languages fluently she is keen to meet people from all walks of life. She is ambitious, efficient and always up for a challenge.
‘ The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams ’
Eleanor Roosevelt
Following Glion and two internships, in Food & Beverage operations at Hotel Café Royal and Corporate Communications at IHG, She has gained additional operational experience at The Arts Club, London.
Céline has been part of the Vous conversation and creation from the onset and will be the first to join the team as Management Executive. In this position she will have full exposure, through this both Céline and Vous’ management can set out a career path that supports her growth with the company whilst also pursuing a future MBA degree.
Céline stands out for having a real love for the industry and being extremely up to date on what is happening, whether hotels, travel, F&B, lifestyle, beauty & fashion. They encompass many of her personal interests. Through her international upbringing and speaking three languages fluently she is keen to meet people from all walks of life. She is ambitious, efficient and always up for a challenge.
‘ The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams ’
Eleanor Roosevelt
‘ FINANCIAL & STRATEGIC ADVISERS ’
‘ ROBERT SWADE ’
STRATEGIC ADVISER
Robert Swade is the Managing Director of Maze Hospitality, which delivers precisely considered and expertly crafted solutions for hospitality companies seeking to make a real and purposeful impact to their business.
Until March 2019, Robert was the Chief Executive Officer of Grace Hotels, a privately-owned group of luxury boutique hotels. Prior to joining Grace Hotels, Robert was the Chief Operating Officer of Jumeirah Group. During his eleven-year tenure at Jumeirah, he played a major leadership role in the success of the company as it expanded across the world, overseeing a period of signifcant expansion and building a robust pipeline of future hotel projects for the group.
Robert has a unique combination of skills across all disciplines in the hospitality industry, having held the positions of Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Development Officer and General Counsel for international hotel companies.
Robert has extensive international experience, covering Europe, the USA, the Middle East and Asia, as well as a demonstrated track record of confdently handling shareholder, board, owner, colleague and other key stakeholder relationships, with a focus on providing a structured approach to complex issues, exercising sound commercial judgment and delivering business and financial results.
Robert was invited to become an advisor to the management team of Vous Hotels & Retreats in 2019.
Until March 2019, Robert was the Chief Executive Officer of Grace Hotels, a privately-owned group of luxury boutique hotels. Prior to joining Grace Hotels, Robert was the Chief Operating Officer of Jumeirah Group. During his eleven-year tenure at Jumeirah, he played a major leadership role in the success of the company as it expanded across the world, overseeing a period of signifcant expansion and building a robust pipeline of future hotel projects for the group.
Robert has a unique combination of skills across all disciplines in the hospitality industry, having held the positions of Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Development Officer and General Counsel for international hotel companies.
Robert has extensive international experience, covering Europe, the USA, the Middle East and Asia, as well as a demonstrated track record of confdently handling shareholder, board, owner, colleague and other key stakeholder relationships, with a focus on providing a structured approach to complex issues, exercising sound commercial judgment and delivering business and financial results.
Robert was invited to become an advisor to the management team of Vous Hotels & Retreats in 2019.
‘ JOHN PODARAS ’
FINANCIAL & FEASIBILITY ADVISER
John Podaras is a partner at Hotel Development Resources (HDR) and has a life-long association with the Middle East.
During a period of rapid change and growth, he has had considerable experience advising on many of the region’s major hotel, tourism and real-estate developments for a rich and diverse array of companies and institutions.
John moved to Dubai in 2001 from where he has undertaken hospitality and advisory assignments across most of the countries of the GCC, Sub-Continent, Levant and North Africa. His strength in financial analysis has seen him design models and tackle a wide range of client requirements.
He has carried out assignments for master-planned, mixed-use developments, market and financial feasibility studies, hotel valuations, and provided owner assistance for hotel operator selections and hotel management contract negotiations.
He joined the Advisory team of Vous Hotels & Retreats in 2019.
During a period of rapid change and growth, he has had considerable experience advising on many of the region’s major hotel, tourism and real-estate developments for a rich and diverse array of companies and institutions.
John moved to Dubai in 2001 from where he has undertaken hospitality and advisory assignments across most of the countries of the GCC, Sub-Continent, Levant and North Africa. His strength in financial analysis has seen him design models and tackle a wide range of client requirements.
He has carried out assignments for master-planned, mixed-use developments, market and financial feasibility studies, hotel valuations, and provided owner assistance for hotel operator selections and hotel management contract negotiations.
He joined the Advisory team of Vous Hotels & Retreats in 2019.
