A Relentless Pursuit Of Excellence

With over three decades of experience in the luxury hospitality sector, Patrice Landrein epitomises modern management and cross-cultural expertise. His journey, rooted in the humble beginnings of a middle-class family in France, showcases a relentless pursuit of excellence that has defined his illustrious career.

 

Early Beginnings – Rise to Prominence

 

Patrice’s foray into the hospitality world began at the prestigious Ritz Paris as a Receptionist Trainee in 1991. This initial step paved the way for his ascent in the industry, leading to roles at some of Europe’s finest hotels, including Hotel de Crillon and Hotel Savoy. In 1994, he moved to New York’s Hotel Plaza Athénée, marking his first management role. By the age of 26, Patrice became the General Manager at Hotel Manapany, where he not only managed daily operations but also played a crucial role in the hotel’s new design plan, highlighting his strategic vision and operational acumen.

 

 

“I believe that from check-in until check out, the guest experience must be unbelievable. We offer a range of special in-room surprises to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries with appropriate decorations. All preferences of our guests are carefully taken care of. We see complains as good opportunities to make guests happier and we achieve that by reversing the situation. We ‘never say no’ to our guests, which I always remind my team to promote.

 

“Reminising about the time I was at a previous property in Thailand, a couple asked for an elephant for their beach wedding, but my staff said it could not be done. I told them to say ‘yes’ to our guests, and that an elephant was possible. It’s about guests’ happiness and satisfaction, said Patrice.

 

 

Embracing Asia’s Charm

 

A fortuitous visit to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in 2014 ignited Patrice’s deep appreciation for Vietnamese culture. This newfound passion led to a series of successful roles across Vietnam and Thailand. His leadership at Pimalai Resort & Spa in Koh Lanta, Krabi, Thailand, was particularly noteworthy. Under his guidance, the property achieved top rankings on TripAdvisor, showcasing his ability to elevate guest experiences to world-class standards.

 

Accomplishments & Innovations

 

Patrice’s tenure at Premier Village Phu Quoc is marked by significant achievements. His leadership earned the resort the 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of Best, and his commitment to guest satisfaction was reflected in the impressive RPS score of 95.23 in 2023. His initiatives in staff well-being, sustainable practices, and innovative resort activities have set new benchmarks in the industry.

 

 

A proponent of Simon Sinek’s principles, Patrice’s management style is heavily influenced by the concepts of starting with ‘why’ and embracing the ‘infinite game.’ He leads with a clear sense of purpose, inspiring his team to align with the core values and long-term vision of the organisation. This approach fosters a culture where employees feel connected to their work and motivated to contribute to a greater cause.

 

The 6E Management Model

 

Patrice’s leadership approach is complemented by the 6E management model: Envision, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate and Extend. He envisions a future where luxury hospitality is synonymous with responsible stewardship of the environment and community. Encouraging exploration of innovative solutions, explaining the rationale behind strategic decisions, elaborating on the skills needed for excellence, evaluating performance against high standards, and extending learning into actionable insights are all pillars of his management philosophy.

 

Future Aspirations

 

Looking ahead, Patrice’s vision extends beyond immediate success. He aspires to establish the ‘Agnes & Joseph’ Hospitality Education Center for orphaned children, named in honour of his parents. Whether in Vietnam or Thailand, Patrice is committed to making this mission a reality, underscoring his dedication to giving back to the community and nurturing the next generation of hospitality professionals.

 

 

“How luxury hospitality develops in the future depends on several factors. We need to keep traditional hospitality alive, while embracing digital evolution into our operations. Without a doubt, face-to-face interactions will remain the key, but digital platform usage to connect guests and staff is still a must – it’s quicker and more convenient. The combination between the traditional and digital tools will definitely create excellence in tomorrow’s luxury hospitality space,” he states.

 

Patrice Landrein’s journey is a testament to leadership, passion, and a commitment to excellence. His impact on the hospitality industry spans continents, leaving an indelible mark on the world of luxury travel. From his early days at the Ritz Paris to his visionary work in Southeast Asia, Patrice’s career is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring hospitality leaders around the globe.

 

 

Source: Punch Media Digital.