Relais & Châteaux has announced that Laurent Gardinier has been named successor to current president Philippe Gombert. He will take over the role on January 1, 2023 following a six-week handover.
Gardinier, a co-owner, along with his brothers, of Relais & Châteaux Domaine Les Crayères in Champagne, and of Parisian restaurant Le Taillevent, currently represents the association as national delegate for France and has served as a member of the board of directors for 17 years. As president, besides honoring the commitments of his predecessor, he will be dedicated to serving member properties and enhancing the solidarity of the Relais & Châteaux association and the fundamental values it embodies. Assisted by an experienced, complementary management team that shares his ambitions, he will ensure the democratic vitality of the association while offering teams clear, balanced and ambitious development and performance objectives.
“I am focused on three main areas: reducing our environmental footprint with economically realistic solutions; preserving biodiversity, working in particular with our chefs; and enhancing respect for each of our employees and increased social responsibility; all while maintaining the financial health of our association,” said Gardinier.
Philippe Gombert, who was elected as president in November 2013, has served two successive terms. He will remain active within the association, as honorary president, a member of the commission network, and as co-owner, with his wife Stéphanie, of the Château de la Treyne in the Dordogne–a member of Relais & Châteaux since 1992.
“I am very optimistic for the future of Relais & Châteaux. Between the executive committee, the management committee and their teams, the association is in good hands. Our civilization, our world, is at a fundamental turning point, but Relais & Châteaux has the right people and the right tools to adapt, evolve and advance with it,” said Gombert.
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