BAPTISTE DE LAGAUSIE
Manchester,UK
Summary
Senior operations and client leadership professional with 15 years of progression within Accor, advancing from Kitchen Porter to Director of Franchise Operations with executive oversight of a £130M–£145M multi-brand portfolio across Northern Europe. Proven track record of leading high-performing teams, managing complex stakeholder relationships, driving operational improvement, and embedding accountability across multi-site environments. Extensive experience working across Finance, Commercial Strategy, eCommerce, Legal, Marketing, and HR to improve performance, strengthen governance, and deliver measurable business outcomes. Recognised for calm leadership, diplomacy, resilience, and the ability to guide teams through change while maintaining strong service standards and client outcomes. Now seeking to transition into financial services, with a particular interest in pensions, retirement services, and investor outcomes. Brings a long-standing personal commitment to studying financial markets, portfolio management, equities, and digital assets through independent learning, literature, and podcasts.
Resourceful and adaptable Director with 15years of experience in financial oversight, scheduling, bidding, protocol development and process improvements. Team-oriented leader with expertise in employee engagement, customer relationship management, time management, conflict resolution and cost reduction. Customer-focused in managing accounts and maintaining strong business relationships. Seeking to leverage background in operational leadership to fulfil role with exceptional organisation. Resourceful and adaptable Director with 15 years of experience in financial oversight, scheduling, bidding, protocol development and process improvements. Team-oriented leader with expertise in employee engagement, customer relationship management, time management, conflict resolution and cost reduction. Customer-focused in managing accounts and maintaining strong business relationships. Seeking to leverage background in operational leadership to fulfil a role with an exceptional organisation.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work history
Director of Franchise Operations
Accor
London
2024.01 - 2026.04
- Provide executive oversight of a 55-asset, multi-brand portfolio across the UK, Belgium, and Luxembourg, generating £130M–£145M in annual room revenue.
- Lead strategic relationships with owners, investors, and senior stakeholders, acting as a trusted escalation point for complex operational and commercial matters.
- Coach and influence leadership teams across the region to improve performance against key business metrics, contributing to a 1.2-point year-on-year increase in regional quality score (RPS).
- Drove digital and commercial initiatives that increased direct-to-consumer digital revenue share to 24%, representing 7% year-on-year growth.
- Directed internal audit and quality assurance activity to ensure strong adherence to corporate governance frameworks, operational standards, and compliance expectations.
- Led leadership teams to improve priority performance indicators, with 60% of the portfolio achieving or exceeding all loyalty programme KPIs.
- Championed continuous improvement and sustainable operating practices, supporting 50% of the portfolio in achieving recognised eco-certifications including Green Key or Green Globe.
Strategic Project Manager
Accor
2023.01 - 2024.01
- Managed a portfolio of 20 high-value client assets while leading strategic commercial and operational projects across the wider business.
- Spearheaded process optimisation and operating model improvements to help scale the business more efficiently and consistently.
- Designed and implemented reporting frameworks for quality and performance metrics, improving visibility, accountability, and standardisation across teams.
- Led rollout and communication of cross-functional initiatives, ensuring strong adoption, stakeholder engagement, and measurable commercial impact.
- Worked across multiple internal functions to align priorities, support change delivery, and improve operational execution.
General Manager (Pre-opening)
ibis budget
Manchester Airport
2021.01 - 2023.01
- Led the full pre-opening and launch of a 262-room hotel in a complex airport environment.
- Directed the complete pre-opening critical path, including operational readiness, recruitment, onboarding, and service implementation.
- Recruited, coached, and developed a team of 30 staff, creating a strong culture of accountability, consistency, and customer focus.
- Implemented operational and commercial frameworks to establish early market presence and support top-line performance.
- Demonstrated resilient people leadership in a fast-moving environment requiring structure, pace, and adaptability.
Operations Manager
Novotel & ibis Manchester
Manchester
2018.01 - 2021.01
- Managed operations across two hotel brands through one consolidated team model, ensuring quality, efficiency, and service consistency.
- Improved operational efficiency and payroll margins through agile workforce planning, cross-training, and effective deployment of resources.
- Maintained adherence to procedures, standards, and brand requirements across both sites while supporting a diverse customer base.
- Helped lead teams through operational pressures and changing business demands while maintaining service delivery.
Education
A-Level Equivalent - Hospitality Management
Lycée Nicolas Appert
Nantes, FranceSkills
- AI & Automation Tools: Google Gemini, HeyGen AI
- Project & Workflow Tools: Mondaycom, Asana, Taskworld
- Productivity & Data Tools: Microsoft Office Suite, Wemax Database, beautifulai
Languages
English (Fluent)
French (Fluent)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Work Authorisation: Full unrestricted right to work in the UK
- Professional Interests: Investment portfolio management, pensions and retirement planning, equities, digital assets, and financial markets
Affiliations
- Portfolio investment in Stocks and Crypto Currencies
- Sports
- Travel
Timeline
Director of Franchise Operations
Accor
2024.01 - 2026.04
Strategic Project Manager
Accor
2023.01 - 2024.01
General Manager (Pre-opening)
ibis budget
2021.01 - 2023.01
Operations Manager
Novotel & ibis Manchester
2018.01 - 2021.01
A-Level Equivalent - Hospitality Management
Lycée Nicolas Appert