Baccarat has appointed Neil Jacobs as Censor of its Board of Directors, a strategic move as the French luxury house prepares for a significant expansion of its hotel portfolio.
Now 10 years after it opened Baccarat Hotel and Residences New York, the crystal company is accelerating its expansion into the world of hotels. Over the next three years, it is planning further openings in Rome, Florence, Dubai, the Maldives, Miami, and Macao.
The appointment of Jacobs, a recognised leader in sustainable and luxury hospitality, marks a pivotal step in this growth strategy. Having spent more than 13 years leading the growth of Six Senses before founding consultancy firm Wild Origins, he brings deep operational and visionary expertise to Baccarat’s next phase.
“Neil’s international expertise and commitment to responsible hospitality are major assets in supporting Baccarat’s development in this sector,” said Bryant Stone, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Baccarat.
The appointment represents a “decisive step” in Baccarat’s expansion strategy within the realm of hospitality, according to CEO Laurent Nicolas. “True to its heritage, Baccarat continues to reinvent itself, offering through its experiences the very best of the French art de vivre,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jacobs described his appointment as “an honour”. “It is an honor to join the Baccarat Board in shaping a new chapter for a Maison that has long embodied refinement and innovation. “Together, we aim to translate Baccarat’s extraordinary craftsmanship into hospitality experiences that inspire and transcend,” he said.
The Maison has also been expanding its interpretation of the art de vivre through innovative spaces since 2003, including three B Bars in Japan and La Maison Baccarat in Paris, blending retail, dining, and cultural experience. Recent culinary partnerships, including the Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic in Hong Kong and Ducasse Baccarat in Paris, showcase the Maison’s commitment to gastronomy and global brand presence.
To drive this next phase, Baccarat has also appointed Joerg Leser as Director of Hospitality and F&B. With nearly two decades at Hyatt in Zurich and Paris, Leser will oversee the operational rollout of new projects.
