Laurent Voivenel

Senior Vice President of Operations and Development, EMEAI and Senior Vice President of Group Human Resources and Talent Development, Swiss-Belhotel International

Laurent Voivenel is a highly accomplished hospitality leader with over 30 years of international hotel and asset management experience spanning Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. As Senior Vice President of Operations and Development for Swiss-Belhotel International, he oversees the group’s strategic growth across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India, in addition to leading Group Human Resources and Talent Development initiatives.

Laurent has held leadership roles with some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality brands, including Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Hotels & Resorts. His tenure as CEO of HMH – Hospitality Management Holding, where he successfully repositioned the company as the Middle East’s leading operator in the dry segment, stands out as a testament to his strategic vision. During his three-and-a-half-year leadership, Laurent spearheaded transformative growth and strengthened HMH’s reputation as a trusted hospitality partner.

With a master’s degree in business administration (MBA), and expertise in corporate mergers and acquisitions, hotel development and investment and multi-brand operations, Laurent brings a unique blend of strategic acumen and hands-on management experience. His deep understanding of the Middle East’s business dynamics, built over two decades in the region, has earned him a robust network of relationships with hotel owners, developers and investors.

Being based in the Middle East for the last 20 years, Laurent also has a deep understanding of the region's unique business dynamics and culture that has resulted in a solid network and close ties with hotel owners, developers and investors. Laurent’s leadership philosophy emphasizes innovation, talent development and sustainable growth, making him a sought-after authority in the hospitality industry.