With a penchant for chilled Champagne married with roast chicken, French fries and a glass or two of Volnay, we get to know Pierre-Louis Renou - General Manager of the Fairmont Monte Carlo & Regional Vice President - a gentleman and a leader in the international hospitality industry.
In the first of our Vivanova People interviews, where we learn more about our partner brands and successes, Pierre-Louis Renou hosts questions concerning the life behind and the work involved in leading one of Monaco’s finest hotel establishments - one of Club Vivanova’s favourite event locations and where we will host our 7th Edition Luxury Lifestyle Gala on Saturday 13th November 2021.
The Fairmont Monte Carlo is the Riviera’s largest hotel, boasting 602 guest rooms, suites and residences and an array of dining locations including NOBU, the Saphir 24 Lounge and Bistro, rooftop dining at the Horizon Deck and Champagne Bar and Nikki Beach, in-room dining, Private Dining servicing external events including the Monte Carlo Rolex Tennis, two magnificent ballrooms and 18 meeting rooms, with a fitness centre and the Carol Joy Spa!
You are a leader in the global hotel industry, what can you suggest for a young person who wants to develop in the hospitality business, what are the most important personal requirements that are needed to succeed?
Succeeding in this industry requires to have “it” in you. This sense of curiosity that drives you to always find out more about your environment, the people and the culture around you is key. It makes you and your work authentic which is, to me, the roots of a successful career.
How do you think that the luxury hotel industry has changed overall during the last ten years (including the recent COVID19 crisis)?
We have obviously noticed the increase of the sustainability awareness but also a huge work has been done to go further in the personalization of the service. This says a lot about our society. People are in need to return to the basis of real life. Even though the digitalization has helped easing a lot of processes, guests want to connect with the team of the hotel and the locals of the destination. They want to be recognized when they show loyalty. The COVID-19 crisis emphasized those same exact needs of authenticity and people will become even more respectful of everything they are surrounded by. This is what Fairmont is aiming for.
In which ways do you motivate and facilitate your team to perform well and maintain the high standards required in such a luxurious and glamorous location?
The environment has to be itself motivating. We are grateful to work in a naturally beautiful and glamorous destination so of course it helps but it does not make all the work. The team is motivated if the atmosphere feels great and the values of the brand resonate with them. Then and only then, they can develop this sense of pride and of belonging that makes them strive to excellence.
If you had an open menu choice, could you let the readers know what is your favourite dish and which wine you would enjoy with that dish?
I really like a simple yet flavorful menu. A crispy fresh bottle a champagne to start, then a delicious roast chicken with French fries to end with a traditional tarte aux fraises. Let’s not forget a glass a Volnay (or two !)
What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career?
It is in fact hard to choose just one moment among all the others but if I had to pick the most striking one I would probably say the visit of the Oval office when I arrived in Washington DC after Barack Obama election in 2009.
Lastly, what drives you to succeed?
Simply people. I am surrounded by amazing people and my pleasure to wake up every day has always been to take care of my family, my guests, my team.
Read more on our forthcoming Club Vivanova Fairmont Monte Carlo events
