Ledunfly Hospitality, part of the family office of Swiss businesswoman and philanthropist Dona Bertarelli, on Monday announced the appointment of hotelier Grace Leo as chief executive officer, who will lead the strategic development of the brand’s portfolio in Europe and North America.
Based in Nyon, Switzerland, Ledunfly Hospitality’s portfolio includes Park Gstaad, a five-star luxury hotel, and the Geneva Country Club, both in Switzerland, as well as the Five Seas Hotel, a five-star boutique hotel in Cannes, France. A luxury resort is currently under development in the Exumas area of the Bahamas, which is scheduled for completion in 2020.
“I am delighted that Grace Leo will be leading Ledunfly Hospitality,” Bertarelli said. “She is a proven hotelier with exceptional development experience. We share the same vision for the future of the luxury hospitality market and the role we can play in it. I look forward to Grace growing the division in the years to come.”
A graduate of Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration, Leo has successfully launched, developed and repositioned luxury hotels spanning Europe, North America, the Caribbean and Asia. Notable projects include the Hotels Montalembert and Lancaster in Paris, The Royal Riviera in Cap Ferrat, Le Guanahani and Le Toiny in St. Barths and The Cotton House in Mustique. Most recently, Grace oversaw the development of hospitality elements of Ten Trinity Square in London, a US$430 million hotel and residential project which opened in January 2017.
“I am proud to be heading Ledunfly Hospitality for Dona Bertarelli, and I was immediately attracted to her vision, passion and commitment for the business,” Leo said. “I look forward to working with her to develop the portfolio in Europe and North America.”