Raffles London at The OWO's MD Philippe LeBoeuf on his career, building a team and going 'the extra 5%'
Raffles London at The OWO has now opened within one of the capital’s most historic buildings. Managing director Philippe LeBoeuf tells April Hutchinson how his career led him here, and what it takes to run such a hotel.
Philippe LeBoeuf greets me at the doors of Raffles London at The OWO, as he does with many guests, and it’s a gesture I find touching. Who knows how long his daily “to do” list must be when overseeing the launch of a (rumoured) £1.4 billion project.
But he certainly has the pedigree for the role. He was already hotel manager at Hotel de Crillon in Paris by the age of 36. “Frankly, I had no clue what I was doing – I was so young for that role,” he tells me. He has worked in pretty much every element of running a hotel, from being a waiter, to working in sales and reservations, and has held senior management positions with brands including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, and Leading Hotels of the World. He has also run storied hotels such as Claridge’s and Mandarin Oriental Paris.
Now he radiates pride, not just for the architectural marvel that is Raffles London, but for the team bringing the hotel to life. “We have to be proud of this building, but I want us to be proud of the team as well,” he shares.
He took the role two-and-a-half years ago, when the hotel was a building site in the middle of the pandemic. LeBoeuf admits he is more comfortable in the realm of fostering a positive work environment than entrenched in financial intricacies, but he adds even that has been particularly challenging in a post-Covid, post-Brexit world.
The whole project will need approximately 800 to 900 staff – the hotel is not operating with full inventory yet, and he has found 400 of the people he needs so far. “It’s not easy to put a team together, especially now,” he admits. He says much of today’s workforce seeks more immediate gratification, and are less willing to have to progress through roles to reach senior positions.
There’s also the challenge and opportunity of looking outside the hotel industry to recruit. The emphasis, according to LeBoeuf, is on attitude and aptitude. “I can train the rest,” he asserts. He encourages his team to go the extra mile – well, the extra 5%. “You think you’ve done everything, but what’s the extra 5% you can put into the service that turns it into a memorable experience?” he poses.
As well as managing one of the newest luxury establishments in London, he must also maintain the cultural integrity of the brand. Raffles Singapore opened in 1887 and is renowned for its rich history and luxurious accommodations, but LeBoeuf must also infuse a modern twist into life at Raffles London. He must be mindful, too, of the hotel’s place in the universe of Accor, which acquired this brand in 2016 as part of its strategy to expand in the luxury hotel segment.
LeBoeuf acknowledges challenges like geopolitical events affecting travel plans but remains confident in the hotel’s appeal and strategic location. He highlights a successful performance so far, while the upcoming festive season and events business have even proven to be more successful than anticipated he adds.
Sustainability is also key, and LeBoeuf says chef Mauro Colagreco is ahead of the curve when it comes to outlawing plastic and sourcing produce. LeBoeuf is a keen cyclist and often uses a “Boris bike” to get around town he says, but he also stresses the importance of balancing environmental consciousness with guest comfort.
His personal interests further reflect a commitment to wellbeing and a balanced lifestyle. He swims, which he relishes for the peace, as much as the exercise. “The phone can’t reach me in the pool,” he says.
LeBoeuf is unfazed by the simultaneous opening of the Peninsula hotel in the city, emphasising the two properties’ distinctions. He’s also unfazed by anyone questioning the Westminster location of his hotel. “It’s not Knightsbridge or Mayfair, but Corinthia did a fantastic job positioning a luxury hotel in this area. You also have a Hyatt, and the Waldorf Astoria will be opening at Admiralty Arch close by. Plus, I hate this to be practical, but for security reasons, people don’t mind being so close to Downing Street…” he says.
Speaking of which, LeBoeuf met the prime minister Rishi Sunak during the opening party for the hotel in September. “He was very nice,” he says nonchalantly.
In terms of leaders, I feel like he would have relished meeting Winston Churchill more, who once spent many years working in this very building.
“I’m a huge history fan,” LeBoeuf says, just as well, as he is making history on a daily basis with the running of this incredible hotel, demonstrating his commitment to innovation, sustainability, and an unwavering dedication to the art of hospitality.
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