Maud Bailly, An Exclusive interview. How she is elevating Sofitel & M Gallery with innovation, expansion, and French elegance
Maud Bailly is the most powerful woman in luxury hotels in the world right now, as she reshapes the future of luxury hospitality around the globe.
As one of the most influential women in global luxury travel, Maud Bailly and a trail blazing CEO, she oversees over 120 hotels across some of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
Under her leadership, Sofitel and M Gallery are undergoing a remarkable transformation—elevating their brand positioning, expanding into new markets, and reimagining French luxury hospitality for the modern traveler.
Maud Bailly: A Unique Path to Leading Sofitel & M Gallery
Unlike many hospitality executives, Maud Bailly didn’t start her career in hotels. Coming from a humble background in the northern suburbs of Paris, she built an impressive career in public service and digital transformation before a pivotal meeting a dinner with Accor CEO Sébastien Bazin changed her trajectory.
Since joining Accor, Maud Bailly has played a key role in revitalising Sofitel and M Gallery, ensuring these brands remain at the forefront of global luxury travel trends. Sofitel turned 60 last year, and was in desperate need of new life, and it found it with Bailly.
Sofitel & M Gallery: Reinventing Luxury Hospitality in 2024 and Beyond
Celebrating 60 years of Sofitel, Maud Bailly has led a strategic shift that strengthens its French heritage, luxury service, and quality, high-end renovations.
🏨 Sofitel now has 120+ luxury hotels worldwide
🏨 32 new Sofitel properties are coming to destinations like Ireland, Vietnam, Portugal, India, and Mexico
🏨 Major renovations are underway at Sofitel New York and Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile
Meanwhile, M Gallery, which competes with Marriott’s Autograph Collection, is also experiencing rapid global growth, with 48 hotels currently in development.
With Maud Bailly at the helm, Sofitel and M Gallery are not just expanding—they are redefining the guest experience, with personalized luxury, immersive cultural experiences, and a renewed focus on authentic French elegance.
Luxury Hospitality Trends: Where is Sofitel Expanding Next?
As a leader in high-end hospitality, Maud Bailly has unique insights into the future of luxury travel. In this episode, she reveals the fastest-growing luxury hotel markets, including:
📍 Saudi Arabia – A booming market for ultra-luxury hospitality
📍 Mexico – A new hotspot for Sofitel and M Gallery expansion
📍 India & Vietnam – Growing demand for premium boutique and heritage hotels
Women in Leadership: Maud Bailly on Breaking Barriers
As one of the few female executives leading a global luxury hospitality brand, Maud Bailly is passionate about empowering women in the industry. She discusses:
👠 The gender gap in luxury hospitality leadership
👠 How Sofitel and M Gallery are supporting diversity and inclusion
👠 The future of female leadership in global hospitality
What’s Next for Sofitel, M Gallery & Luxury Hospitality?
Beyond expansion, Maud Bailly is leading Sofitel and M Gallery toward a more sustainable, people-focused future. With upcoming eco-friendly hotel projects, elevated luxury experiences, and a focus on heritage storytelling, she is shaping the next era of French luxury hospitality.
Don’t miss this exclusive conversation on Where2FromHere.
