On 1 October 2026, Joelle Edwards-Tonks officially takes up her role as Chief Executive Officer of Sunlife Mauritius. She succeeds François Eynaud, who led the Mauritian hotel group for seven years.
A succession prepared from within
The transition was made public in the spring, when Sunlife announced the succession of its CEO. The group opted for an internal solution, entrusting the leadership to its Chief Commercial and Operating Officer.
The timing coincides with that of Riveo Limited, the other company created when the long-established Sun Limited was split in late 2024. The two entities are now listed separately on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius, and Riveo will be led by Gregory Coquet, appointed CEO with effect from 1 October 2026.
François Eynaud remains on the board
In its announcement, Sunlife paid tribute to François Eynaud’s role in shaping the group as it stands today, highlighting his contribution to its culture, its guest experience and the way it has grown and evolved.
François Eynaud is not leaving the group, however. He remains close to Sunlife as Strategic Advisor and member of the Board of Directors, ensuring continuity in governance as the new chief executive settles into her role.
A first for Mauritian hospitality
According to Sunlife, Joelle Edwards-Tonks becomes the first woman appointed CEO of a hotel group in Mauritius. The group said it was proud to be part of this milestone and hoped that further appointments of this kind would follow.
For Sunlife, the new CEO brings an in-depth knowledge of the teams, the group’s culture and what sets it apart. The group presents this change of leadership as a moment of gratitude towards her predecessor and of confidence in the future.
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A career built in Paris’s palace hotels
Joelle Edwards-Tonks spent nearly twenty years in Paris before moving to Mauritius. She began her career at Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris, where she was Director of Revenue & Reservations from 2001 to 2007. She then joined Shangri-La Hotel Paris as Director of Sales, from 2007 to 2010.
In 2010, she joined Oetker Collection, where she remained for almost a decade. She first served as Director E-Commerce & Revenue Management, then as Director of Digital Strategy and Communications and Head of Marketing.
She became Vice President Marketing in 2015, then Vice President Marketing & Communications in 2018. She concluded her time with the collection as Senior Vice President Sales, Marketing & Communications, based in the Paris region, until April 2020.
Six years at the heart of Sunlife
Joelle Edwards-Tonks joined Sunlife in April 2020 as Chief Sales & Marketing Officer. In January 2025, her remit was extended to operations with the role of Chief Commercial and Operating Officer, which she held until her appointment as head of the group.
She takes the helm of a group that has strengthened its governance in recent months. Sunlife notably promoted Jean-Marc Ma-Poon to Cluster General Manager – West Coast and Clency Romeo to Chief Sustainability Officer. Since 1 July 2025, the group has also operated Anahita Golf & Spa Resort.
LTH analysis – This dual experience across commercial and operational functions is an asset in steering a resort portfolio whose performance depends as much on distribution as on on-site execution. Her grounding in revenue management, dating back to her early days at the George V, reflects a broader trend of general management opening up to profiles from commercial strategy.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Joelle Edwards-Tonks takes the helm of Sunlife Mauritius
Effective 1 October 2026, succeeding François Eynaud after seven years as CEO
First woman appointed CEO of a hotel group in Mauritius
Internal promotion: Chief Commercial and Operating Officer since January 2025, with Sunlife since 2020
Previously nearly ten years at Oetker Collection (SVP Sales, Marketing & Communications), Shangri-La Hotel Paris and Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris
François Eynaud remains Strategic Advisor and Board Member
