HotelsMag March-April 2022 | Page 72

Patience , admittedly , has never been Jacques-Olivier Chauvin ’ s long suit . But the president and CEO of Paris-based Fauchon Hospitality is learning . In fact , his required patience to sign a long-awaited deal at Diriyah Development in Riyadh , Saudi Arabia paid off in December when the hotel division of the iconic Paris food purveyor announced a partnership with owner Diriyah Gate Development Authority and local operator Yakoon Hospitality International . The property will be situated within the Diriyah Square project , becoming one of 16 luxury hotels set for phase one of the fivesquare-kilometer mixed-use heritage , tourism and lifestyle destination .

Riyadh is the third hotel for the predominantly franchised brand launched not at the best of times , 2018 , which has made the ramp up more challenging for Chauvin . A deal in Miami is on the back burner , but others are heating up , according to Chauvin , including a recently signed deal
PERSONALITIES

CHAUVIN ’ S PATIENCE RECIPE FOR

FAUCHON SUCCESS