PARIS, FRANCE (July 6, 2022) – Hôtel Barrière Fouquet’s New York is delighted to announce the appointments of Gilles Stellardo as General Manager and Victoria Menechella as Director of Marketing and Communications. The pair will become the first to assume their respective positions ahead of the property’s opening in Summer 2022. Both Gilles and Victoria bring years of hospitality experience to Groupe Barrière. Groupe Barrière’s notable properties include the iconic Carl Gustaf in St. Barth’s, The Majestic in Cannes, Fouquet’s on Champs Elysees, and restaurant Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi.
Gilles Stellardo, General Manager Hôtel Barrière Fouquet’s New York
Born in Nice, France, Gilles was immersed into the hospitality industry from a young age. His grandparents were in the restaurant business, and his parents owned five hotels across Nice, Menton, and Lyon. In addition, his great grandfather’s brother was the co-owner of Fouquet’s Brasserie in Champs Elysée. After a successful career as a classical ballet dancer, Gilles began his hospitality career in 1993. Through many years of experience in hotels across Europe, Gilles gained a high level of expertise in the luxury hotel industry, most recently working as the Managing Director for the Mercer Hotel in New York.
“It is an honor to be the first General Manager of Group Barrière’s inaugural property in the United States,” said Gilles Stellardo. “As a French New Yorker, I am excited to help the iconic brand bring classic French luxury to one of New York’s best neighborhoods.”
Gilles will lead the operations at Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s New York, bringing three decades of experience to the property’s opening team. Before joining Hôtel Barrière Fouquet’s New York, Gilles helped open luxury hotels in Nice, Cannes, Rome, and New York. Spending time in both New York and France, Gilles brings crucial knowledge to property, as the hotel looks to blend both cultures seamlessly.
Victoria Menechella, Director of Marketing and Communications, Americas
A graduate of The University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Business, Victoria has over eight years of hospitality experience. In 2017, Victoria was brought on as a Marketing Manager for The Mark Hotel, eventually becoming Director of Marketing in 2019. During her time at The Mark Hotel, the property was awarded the Best Hotel in America and the Best Hotel in New York by Travel + Leisure. Victoria also oversaw the launch of the property’s e-gift shop ‘Le Shop.’ After four years with The Mark Hotel, Victoria joined The Fifth Avenue Hotel in New York as Director of Marketing of the Opening team in 2021, where she was until joining Groupe Barrière. Victoria also received a certificate from Cornell University in Hotel Real Estate Investment and Asset Management in 2022.
“I am thrilled to begin this new chapter with Groupe Barrière and oversee the stunning properties,” said Victoria. “It is such an exciting and special time for the iconic French brand, as they are set for their first American property in New York City later this summer.”
For more information on Hôtel Barrière Fouquet’s New York please visit their website.
