PHILIPPE LEBOEUF APPOINTED
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF RAFFLES LONDON AT THE OWO
![](https://press.accor.com/europe-north-africa/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Raffles-London-at-The-OWO-Whitehall-London-scaled.jpg)
Most recently, Leboeuf was Regional Vice President of Operations for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Paris, positions he held since 2013 and 2010 respectively, and brings over 30 years’ experience operating luxury hotels to the role. Prior to joining Mandarin Oriental, he was General Manager of Claridge’s in London for three years, and held various senior management positions in the luxury hospitality sector including with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, The Carlyle in New York, Leading Hotels of the World and Hôtel de Crillon in Paris. A French national, Leboeuf holds an HEC Paris Master’s degree in Finance and Advanced General Management and a Diploma in Hotel Administration from Cornell School of Hotel Administration.
As Managing Director of Raffles London at The OWO, Leboeuf will be responsible for overseeing and executing operations for the London flagship Raffles property, one of the hospitality industry’s most significant global openings in 2022. Having undergone a monumental transformation over the last five years, The OWO will also comprise a collection of nine restaurants and bars and an immersive spa.
“On behalf of the Raffles brand, I am delighted to welcome Philippe to our flagship location in London,” said Stephen Alden, CEO Raffles & Orient Express. “He is a true professional, well-known and highly respected throughout our industry, bringing a luxury pedigree and dedication to service excellence that our loyal guests, discerning travellers and local clientele will respect and admire. Having had the pleasure of working with him in the past, I am confident that under Philippe's guidance, The OWO will further Raffles’ reputation as an enduring and timeless brand, built upon a rich heritage and an uncompromising commitment to service, glamour and enchantment.”
“Leboeuf is a seasoned hotel operator, an incredible leader and with his international experience, I am confident both Raffles London and The OWO will become one of the world’s leading hospitality destinations. He brings a unique skillset to the role, and will offer guests the highly personalised and intuitive service that Raffles is renowned for”, said Madani Sow, Chief Executive Officer, Westminster Development Services Limited, development manager for The OWO.
Commenting on his appointment as Managing Director of Raffles London at The OWO, Philippe Leboeuf said: “I am honoured to be appointed Managing Director of Raffles London at The OWO. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I look forward to making the vision a reality for a new unique destination for London which captivates everyone who steps through its doors, creating special memories for hotel guests, residents of the 85 Raffles branded residences, and visitors to the collection of nine restaurants and bars.”
The Old War Office, originally completed in 1906 and designed by British architect William Young, is steeped in history. Formerly the site of the original Palace of Whitehall, home to Henry VIII and other monarchs, the building has witnessed world-shaping events whilst influential political and military leaders including Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George held office. It inspired Ian Fleming to write the infamous James Bond series after working for Britain’s Naval Intelligence Service. Its grand architecture has made the building a dramatic location in numerous Bond films, and more recently The Crown drama series.
Raffles Hotels & Resorts, a legendary brand known for developing and transforming landmark properties in storied destinations around the world, continues to carry out an exciting growth and development plan. Taking a discerning approach to global expansion, each new Raffles represents the cultural crossroads of the market, serving as an oasis of tranquillity, tradition and timelessness for visitors and locals alike. Over the next few years, Raffles will more than double its illustrious portfolio, adding a host of distinguished addresses that will continue to set the standard in the luxury hospitality industry. Later this year, Raffles will open iconic new hotels in Dubai (The Palm), Bahrain, Udaipur, and Macau. Looking to 2022 and beyond, the brand will debut flagship locations in London (2022), Boston (2022), Doha (2022), Moscow (2022) and Jeddah (2023), among others.
About Raffles
Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.
raffles.com | all.accor.com | group.accor.com
About Hinduja Group
At the helm of The OWO project is the Hinduja Group, an international multi-billion pound turnover business with experience of restoration and renovation of historic buildings, notably the Grade I listed Carlton House Terrace, close to St James’s Park. Today the management and future strategy and focus of the Hinduja Group is led by Parmanand’s four sons Srichand, Chairman, Gopichand Co-Chairman, Prakash and Ashok and the younger generation. With a century of experience, intelligent investment and disciplined growth, the Group is active in eleven business sectors with over 170,000 employees in 38 countries with owned businesses in automotive, information technology, media, entertainment and communications, banking and finance, infrastructure project development, oil and specialty chemicals, power, real estate, trading, healthcare and cybersecurity. The Group’s extensive philanthropic work in education, healthcare and social welfare is managed by the Hinduja Foundation. hindujagroup.com
About Westminster Development Services
Westminster Development Services (WDS) is the London-based development management company established in 2015 by the Hinduja Group. It brings together a respected professional team with several decades of experience working on multi-dimensional projects. The company’s flagship project is the former Old War Office building on Whitehall which is being reimagined as ‘The OWO’. wds
Press contacts
Jenny Naylor
Head of Marketing, Westminster Development Services
Tel: +44 (0)7867 800024
E: jenny.naylor@wds-london.com
Sarah Wilson
Vice President PR & Media Relations, Accor Northern Europe
Tel: 07584 335181
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