Claude Hameau
Senior Hospitality & Resort Leader
General Manager | Operations Strategist | Guest Experience Expert
Senior hotel leader with 15+ years of experience driving financial performance, building high-performing teams, and delivering world-class guest experiences across luxury resorts and boutique hotels globally.
Bilingual French–English | Multicultural leadership | Sustainability-driven hospitality
About Me
Professional Profile
I am a senior hospitality leader and General Manager with extensive experience in resort and hotel operations, delivering high-level guest experiences while building strong, engaged teams. My background spans operational leadership, revenue growth, service standards implementation, and the integration of efficient systems across departments.
I am recognized for my hands-on leadership style, clear decision-making, and ability to align people, processes, and performance in complex operating environments. Throughout my career, I have contributed to sustainable business results by combining operational discipline with a strong understanding of guest expectations and market dynamics.
Bilingual in French and English, I am highly comfortable working in multicultural and international environments. I place particular importance on achieving a thoughtful balance between culture, luxury, and sustainability, and I am motivated by hospitality projects that create long-term value for both guests and teams.
Professional Experience
Career Background
General Manager Luxury Boutique Resorts
Moorea Island Beach Hotel & Moorea Beach Lodge
French Polynesia
Oversaw full operational leadership for two beachfront luxury boutique properties, with responsibility for guest experience, financial performance, team management, and long-term development.
- Established and implemented clear operating standards, SOPs, and training programs, fostering team development, consistency of service, and strong employee engagement.
- Delivered 25% cumulative revenue growth over five years by optimizing pricing strategies, increasing direct bookings, and strengthening cost controls, while maintaining high guest satisfaction levels.
- Led commercial and marketing initiatives, significantly improving online visibility and brand positioning across digital channels.
- Managed full financial oversight, including budgeting, forecasting, payroll, and cost control, with a particular focus on F&B performance and profitability.
- Designed and implemented a highly personalized guest journey, emphasizing anticipation of guest needs, cultural immersion, and an authentic Polynesian experience that balanced luxury with local identity.
- Built and maintained strategic partnerships to enhance brand awareness, expand market reach, and diversify revenue streams.
- Deployed new Property Management Systems (PMS) and digital guest tools to improve operational efficiency and team workflow.
- Led sustainability initiatives, IT security improvements, and fire prevention policies in line with regulatory and safety requirements.
- Directed property renovation projects, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards while enhancing guest experience.
- Expanded the service offering through the development of on-site car rental services and lagoon excursion activities, generating additional revenue and enriching the guest experience.
Director of Operations Senior Operations Role
Royal Huahine Resort
French Polynesia
Provided operational leadership for a full-service resort including two restaurants, with responsibility for day-to-day performance and cross-departmental coordination.
- Oversaw multi-department operations, including Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, Maintenance, Security, and - - Boat Shuttle services, ensuring smooth coordination and service continuity.
- Worked closely with union representatives to improve labor efficiency while maintaining positive employee relations and compliance with local regulations.
- Improved restaurant financial performance through food cost optimization, menu engineering support, and service quality enhancements.
- Led refurbishment projects for overwater bungalows, as well as upgrades to marine equipment, enhancing guest safety, comfort, and overall resort experience.
Deputy Director Private Island Resort
Vahine Island Private Resort & Spa SLH
French Polynesia
Supported the General Manager in the full operational and financial leadership of a prestigious private island resort, with direct responsibility for guest experience, departmental performance, and operational execution.
- Held day-to-day operational responsibility for the resort, overseeing guest experience delivery and cross-department coordination.
- Managed financial operations, including budgeting follow-up, payroll supervision, forecasting support, and P&L monitoring.
- Oversaw key departments including Front Office, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, Maintenance, Spa, Boat Shuttle, and Activities, ensuring service consistency and operational efficiency.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with VIP guests and international travel partners, contributing to repeat business and brand reputation.
- Led the implementation of new reservation and operational systems, improving workflow efficiency and coordination across departments.
- Initiated the integration of art, culture, and local heritage into the guest experience, reinforcing the resort’s identity and sense of place.
Front Office Manager
Hôtel de Chantaco Golf & Wellness
France
Played a key role in the opening phase of the property, contributing to the establishment of front office operations and reservation systems in a luxury hospitality environment.
- Managed front office operations and guest services for a high-end property associated with Michelin-starred dining standards, ensuring service excellence and attention to detail.
- Led the implementation and staff training of hotel software systems, supporting operational efficiency and service consistency from opening onward.
- Organized and coordinated high-end events, while curating bespoke guest experiences aligned with luxury brand expectations.
- Acted as a central point of contact for guests and internal teams, supporting smooth communication and service delivery across departments.
Front Office Manager
Hôtel du Levant Cap d’Antibes
France
Held a broad operational role with responsibility extending beyond front office operations to include guest services coordination across multiple departments.
- Oversaw Front Desk, Housekeeping, and Food & Beverage coordination, ensuring service continuity and consistent guest experience standards.
- Led guest services and reservation management, with a strong focus on guest satisfaction, service recovery, and repeat business.
- Supervised staff development, coaching teams and implementing performance improvement initiatives to enhance service quality and operational efficiency.
- Strengthened the hotel’s online reputation and developed key local and business partnerships, contributing to increased visibility and demand.
Qualifications & Professional Development
Associate Degree in Hospitality Management
Académie de Polynésie Française
Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism
Global Sustainable Tourism Council
Skills & Achievements
Hospitality Excellence
Inspired by the principles of Omotenashi, I lead with a strong focus on respect, anticipation, and attention to detail. I believe exceptional hospitality is built through genuine care for guests, thoughtful personalization, and consistency in service delivery.
I lead teams by example, setting clear standards while empowering staff to anticipate guest needs and act with confidence. Through proactive communication, service refinement, and continuous coaching, I have consistently elevated guest satisfaction and fostered meaningful guest relationships.
My approach combines cultural sensitivity with operational discipline, enabling the creation of authentic, memorable experiences that encourage guest loyalty, positive word-of-mouth, and long-term brand value.
Guest Satisfaction
& Service Quality
I am recognized for consistently delivering high levels of guest satisfaction through clear service standards, attentive leadership, and a strong focus on service recovery and personalization. By aligning team performance with guest expectations, I ensure service quality that exceeds brand and market standards.
My approach emphasizes consistency, attention to detail, and meaningful guest engagement, resulting in memorable experiences, positive guest feedback, and strong reputation scores.
Strategic Leadership
Operational Management
I believe sustainable performance is built on strong organizational structure and engaged, capable teams. I take a structured approach to leadership by regularly reviewing staffing models, roles, and workflows to ensure operational efficiency, service consistency, and financial balance.
Beyond structure, I focus on team empowerment and capability building. I invest in targeted training and development programs that equip team members with the skills, confidence, and autonomy required to perform at a high level. By combining clear expectations with ongoing support, I foster accountability, professional growth, and long-term team stability.
This approach has consistently resulted in improved operational performance, stronger employee engagement, and a service culture aligned with both business objectives and guest expectations.
Community Impact
& Sustainability
Revenue Optimization & Financial Performance
I bring strong expertise in hotel financial management, with hands-on responsibility for budgeting, forecasting, invoicing oversight, and financial controls to ensure sustainable performance and profitability.
My approach to revenue optimization combines commercial strategy, market and competitive analysis, and disciplined cost management. By closely monitoring market trends, pricing dynamics, and distribution channels, I identify growth opportunities and implement strategies that strengthen revenue mix and financial resilience.
In my current role, this approach has resulted in 25% cumulative revenue growth over five years, achieved through pricing optimization, increased direct bookings, and enhanced commercial focus, while maintaining high guest satisfaction levels.
Security, Compliance
& Risk Management
I bring solid experience in overseeing renovation and construction projects within operating hotels, ensuring timely delivery, regulatory compliance, and safe working environments for both guests and staff.
In parallel, I maintain a strong focus on security and risk management, with practical knowledge of hospitality safety standards, access control, surveillance systems, and emergency response procedures. My approach prioritizes prevention, compliance, and preparedness, supporting a secure environment that protects people, assets, and brand reputation.
Innovation & Strategy
I am recognized for applying innovative and pragmatic approaches to revenue management, strategic planning, and operational improvement. I focus on identifying practical solutions that enhance performance, improve efficiency, and support long-term business objectives.
By combining strategic thinking with hands-on execution, I have implemented systems, tools, and processes that strengthen decision-making, optimize workflows, and improve overall hotel performance.
I actively integrate sustainable tourism principles into hotel operations, with a focus on reducing environmental impact while strengthening relationships with local communities. I believe hospitality leaders have a responsibility to balance commercial performance with long-term environmental and social stewardship.
Through operational practices and guest communication strategies, I have embedded sustainability into the guest journey, encouraging responsible behavior, respect for local culture, and environmental awareness. My approach ensures that sustainability is practical, measurable, and aligned with both guest experience and business objectives.
Contact
Reach out for any inquiries, collaborations,
or opportunities.