Mandarin Oriental has announced the appointment of Vincent Poulingue as General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Paris, effective 18 May 2026. His arrival marks a significant milestone for the property, coinciding with the launch of an ambitious, hotel-wide transformation programme aimed at redefining contemporary Parisian luxury.
Poulingue brings more than 20 years of experience in the global luxury hospitality sector. He joins from Hôtel du Palais Biarritz, where he currently serves as General Manager, and has previously held leadership roles across internationally recognised brands including Hyatt’s The Unbound Collection, InterContinental Hotels Group, and Barrière Group. His career spans key markets such as France, Portugal, Switzerland and French Polynesia, where he has built a reputation for successfully repositioning landmark hotels while maintaining operational excellence and enhancing guest satisfaction.
He holds an MBA in International Hospitality Management from IMHI (Cornell University–ESSEC Business School), and is widely regarded for his ability to combine global perspective with strong local sensibility—an approach that aligns closely with Mandarin Oriental’s brand philosophy. In his new role, Poulingue will report to Philippe Kronberg, AVP Operations.
His appointment comes at a pivotal time, as Mandarin Oriental, Paris embarks on a comprehensive renovation designed to elevate every aspect of the guest experience. The extensive programme will include upgrades to all guestrooms and suites, bathrooms, public areas, the spa, and the hotel’s dining venues.
Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental, described the move as a strategic step forward. “This announcement reflects our continued commitment to shaping the future of Mandarin Oriental, Paris as one of the city’s most distinctive addresses,” he said. “Vincent brings deep expertise in leading and repositioning exceptional hotels, and his vision aligns with our ambition to create Fans of the Exceptional, Every Day, Everywhere. This transformation represents a significant investment to ensure the property continues to deliver experiences rooted in the spirit of Paris.”
A key highlight of the redevelopment will be the reimagining of the hotel’s culinary offering. Plans include the introduction of three distinct dining concepts: a new bar, a brasserie-style restaurant, and a refined gourmet restaurant. Each venue will overlook the hotel’s tranquil internal garden and has been designed by acclaimed architectural studio Humbert & Poyet, known for blending Parisian elegance with contemporary design.
The redesign of guestrooms, suites and public spaces will be led by London-based architect Tara Bernerd, whose work is recognised for its refined, residential-style interiors. The new design direction will aim to capture the essence of Paris while reflecting Mandarin Oriental’s commitment to craftsmanship, comfort and attention to detail.
Renovation works are scheduled to begin at the end of October 2026 and will be carried out in carefully phased stages. The hotel will remain fully operational throughout the process, ensuring minimal disruption to guests while maintaining its signature service standards.
The investment underscores Mandarin Oriental’s continued commitment to Paris as a global cultural capital. It also aligns with the group’s broader ten-year strategy, which focuses on enhancing its existing portfolio while pursuing strategic expansion in key international destinations.