Kevin Machefert, CEO of the eponymous family group, has entrusted Emmanuel Sauvage with leading strategy at Machefert Collection, tasking him with steering the transformation of the house. The stated ambition is clear: to make Machefert Collection the benchmark for a distinctive, emotional and deeply proprietary art of hospitality.
A homecoming for a brand builder
A leading figure in French hospitality, Emmanuel Sauvage began his career within the Machefert group, where he says he forged part of his vision of hospitality. He went on to run the Burgundy Paris before co-founding Evok Collection in 2014 alongside Pierre Bastid and Romain Yzerman.
Over ten years at the helm of the group, he helped conceive, develop and build the profile of several brands that have become benchmarks in the sector, including Nolinski, Brach and Sinner. He stepped down as Managing Director of Evok Collection in November 2025, before now joining Machefert Collection.
Emmanuel Sauvage said that Machefert Collection marked the start of his career twenty-five years ago, and that returning today carries a particular emotional weight for him. He described the move as reconnecting with an entrepreneurial family — Patrick Machefert, Christiane Derory and now Kevin Machefert — with whom he shares strong values and a shared desire to write a new chapter. — Emmanuel Sauvage, Director of Strategy, Machefert Collection.
A structuring mission in support of the group’s transformation
Emmanuel Sauvage will support Kevin Machefert through the group’s next stages of development. His stated objectives are to strengthen Machefert Collection’s identity, raise service quality, accelerate the group’s move upmarket and consolidate the coherence of its portfolio of properties.
The transformation under way also rests on an overhaul of the group’s organisation, processes and working methods, with the aim of building a more efficient, more agile group capable of sustaining its growth over the long term.
An appointment that marks the group’s exit from crisis
The appointment comes as part of a period of rebuilding for Machefert Collection. Placed into court-supervised receivership in April 2024, the group had its continuation plan approved in July 2025, following a strategy combining targeted asset disposals and a structured refinancing led by Bain Capital. Emmanuel Sauvage’s appointment thus marks the shift from a phase of financial stabilisation to one of strategic and operational rebuilding.
Two complementary visions in service of a shared ambition
Kevin Machefert, who took over leadership of the family group founded by his parents, is today driving value creation, premiumisation and the wider visibility of Machefert Collection. Emmanuel Sauvage, for his part, brings his experience as a brand builder, his knowledge of the sector and his strategic outlook, forged in particular through the creation of some of the most sought-after brands in contemporary French hospitality.
Kevin Machefert said that Emmanuel’s return speaks volumes about the group’s history and its attachment to loyalty. He noted that Sauvage’s visionary character and his ability to read the moment and set trends are paired with an absolute attention to detail — a rare combination of skills that, he said, will allow Machefert Collection to approach this new era with precision. — Kevin Machefert, CEO, Machefert Collection.
Five openings targeted by 2028
Founded in 1992, Machefert Collection brings together around twenty properties in Paris, Marrakech, Saint-Tropez and Ramatuelle, organised across three collections: Héritage, for neighbourhood addresses full of character and patina; Lifestyle, for lively, elegant hotels and restaurants; and Luxury, for exceptional venues and remarkable properties. The complementary paths of Kevin Machefert and Emmanuel Sauvage are set to fuel the group’s next ambitions, starting with five openings planned by 2028.
About Machefert Collection
Founded in 1992 and present in Paris, Marrakech, Saint-Tropez and Ramatuelle, the family-owned group brings together around twenty properties across three collections: Héritage, Lifestyle and Luxury. Its ambition is to become the benchmark for a distinctive, emotional and deeply proprietary art of hospitality.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Emmanuel Sauvage joins Machefert Collection as Director of Strategy
Appointment: newly created Director of Strategy role, reporting to CEO Kevin Machefert
Background: co-founder and former Managing Director of Evok Collection (Nolinski, Brach, Sinner)
Context: follows the group’s 2025 court-approved continuation plan, backed by a Bain Capital refinancing
Portfolio: around 20 addresses in Paris, Marrakech, Saint-Tropez and Ramatuelle under three collections
Outlook: five openings targeted by 2028 as part of the group’s premiumization strategy
