Philippe Leboeuf

Accor, owner of Raffles Hotels & Resorts, and the international family-controlled Hinduja Group, are pleased to announce the appointment of Philippe Leboeuf as Managing Director of Raffles London at The OWO, effective July 2021. Raffles London will open at The OWO on Whitehall, opposite Horse Guards and St James’s Park, in 2022. The much anticipated 125-room and -suite hotel and 85 branded residences sit within the former Grade II* listed Old War Office building, located at one of the capital’s most historically important and powerful addresses.

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 whichcaptivates everyone who steps through its doors, creating special memories for hotel guests, residents of the85 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.