Upcoming Changes in Franchise and Management Services

I am currently the CEO and co-founder of WeDploy, a consulting firm headquartered in Paris that specialises in utilising technology to enhance the tourism industry. My professional journey is deeply rooted in hospitality management, highlighted by over a decade of service at Louvre Hotels Group. There, I ascended through various leadership roles in finance, operations, sales and marketing, and today (on top of my role as a CEO of WeDploy), I am serving as the director of the franchise services platform. In this role, I lead the strategic development and implementation of a digital platform to improve hotel operational performance and franchisee success.

I have a comprehensive background in business strategy, customer service, and strategic planning, with a focus on delivering personalised solutions that drive revenue and efficiency in the hospitality sector.

I got an Executive MBA from ESSEC & Mannheim Business Schools, where I specialised in leadership and general management tailored for seasoned professionals in multicultural settings. I also hold a Master's degree in International Business Management from ISC Paris Business School and a Bachelor’s degree in International Economic Sciences from Paris-Pantheon-Assas University.

What strategies are you implementing to leverage upcoming innovations or advancements in franchise and management services to better align with your business requirements?

In a fast evolving landscape, especially in hotel industry, any franchisor has to continuously explore and implement innovative strategies in order to generate a sustainable growth. This is essential if we want to make sure to achieve our business objectives and stay ahead of the curve in a highly competitive market.

 One key strategy we're embracing is the integration of advanced state-ofthe-art technology in our franchise and management services. We leverage these innovative solutions in our service offering to streamline operations and enhance overall guest satisfaction. For example, it could be an AI-powered revenue management system (RMS) or other digital solutions to help us acquire more customers into our base, analyse the data, and optimise guest experiences.

Additionally, we're focusing on sustainability initiatives and eco-friendly practices. This not only aligns with the growing demand for environmentallyconscious travel but also helps reduce operational costs in the long run.

Moreover, we're investing in talent development and training programs to ensure our teams are equipped with the skills needed to adapt to new technologies and deliver exceptional service to our guests.

Can you highlight some successful franchise initiatives or partnerships that you have been involved in and their impact?

During my career, I've had the privilege of being involved in several successful franchise initiatives and partnerships that have significantly impacted the business of franchisees and franchisors.

One particular example is the launch of customised sales and marketing revenue management services coupled with sophisticated IT tools/solutions. The initiative aimed to increase sales results and optimise the bottom line of a franchisee network in France. These services, coupled with the latest solutions, were designed to build strong local strategies targeting various customer segments, improving the pricing and distribution performance of hotels and having a major footprint in key local markets by increasing our market share.

Through different partnerships with solutions providers and editors, we've been able to tap into their expertise and insights, allowing us to tailor our strategies and tactics and automate some of our time-consuming processes.

Overall, these partnerships and franchise initiatives have not only fuelled our growth but have also strengthened our position as one of the market leaders in hospitality.

Any advice, suggestions, warnings, you would give to professionals in your similar role working in other companies in the franchise and management services sector in terms of dos or don’ts?

For professionals working in similar roles in the franchise and management services sector, I would offer the following advice:

Embrace Innovation: Stay ahead of the latest trends and technologies shaping the industry, and be proactive in integrating them into your operations to enable or maintain a competitive advantage.

Foster Strong Relationships: Cultivate relationships with franchisees and partners, engage and involve them in decision making process concerning strategy definition and execution. This will for sure foster strong collaboration and drive mutual success. Adapt to Change: The business landscape is constantly evolving, so be prepared to adapt to new market conditions, consumer preferences, and regulatory changes.

Prioritise Customer: Customer satisfaction is capital. Focus on delivering exceptional products and experiences that keep customers coming back.

Invest in Talent: Your employees are your greatest asset. Invest in their training and development to ensure they have the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles and contribute to the success of your business.

Looking ahead, what do you see as the biggest opportunities in the franchise and management services sector?

I see several exciting opportunities in the franchise and management services sector, particularly in the hotel industry.

Global Expansion: With the growing demand for travel worldwide, there's ample opportunity for hotel brands to expand into new markets and capitalise on emerging trends. Any brand that operates as a franchise should think globally.

Technology Integration: Advances in technology, such as AI, IoT, and blockchain, present new opportunities to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and improve efficiency.

Sustainable Practices: Without any doubt, there's a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly travel options. Hotel brands that prioritise sustainability initiatives stand to gain a competitive advantage in the market.

Personalisation and Experiences: With the rise of big data and analytics, hotels can offer more personalised experiences tailored to individual guest preferences. This not only enhances guest satisfaction but also fosters brand loyalty and repeat business. And this applies to all businesses operating in the franchise and management services sector.