Gilles Clavie

Chief Executive Officer, Essendi

Bio

Gilles ClaviƩ's career has been marked by dynamic transformation and leadership in the finance and hospitality sectors.

Beginning his career in 1993, Gilles Clavie initially focused on finance, serving as a Consolidation and Group Financial Reporting Manager in the agro-industry sector. In 2001, he transitioned to the hospitality industry with the Accor Group, where he held various roles culminating in his appointment as Financial Controller for EMEA.

In 2011, Gilles Clavie joined Orbis S.A. as a member of the Executive Committee, where he served as CEO from 2014 to 2021, overseeing a period of significant growth and transformation. Under his direction, the company became a leading hotel asset investor in Poland and Eastern Europe, solidifying its position as a key player in the region.

His leadership earned him recognition as one of "The 20 most efficient CEOs of the Warsaw Stock Exchange" by prestigious entities such as Harvard Business Review Polska & TMS Brokers.

In July 2020, Gilles was appointed CEO of AccorInvest. He assumed leadership of a company with a significant portfolio that was carrying substantial debt and had been deeply impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, as well as the acquisition of Orbis. Confident in the viability of a business model that integrates investment and hotel operations, he spearheaded a bold transformation, strategically refocusing the group on eco and mid-scale hotel segments in Europe.

He also began the gradual disposal of assets in Australia, Africa, Asia and Latin America. A rigorous asset management plan, coupled with a financial restructuring of the Group, culminating in its listing on the bond market in September 2024.

Still under Gilles' leadership, in April 2025 AccorInvest became Essendi: an identity that fully embraces its vision as a leading hotel investor-operator in Europe. A mission to create and foster places that thrive, unlocking positive hospitality.

Gilles believes in leading with a vision rooted in resilience, strategic focus and ESG.