The appointment of Laurent Herschbach places at the helm of the Métropole Monte-Carlo, one of the most renowned palace hotels in the Principality, a leader with nearly thirty years’ experience within a benchmark institution of Parisian luxury hospitality.
A career built at the Ritz Paris
Having joined the Ritz Paris in 1997 as a receptionist, Laurent Herschbach rose through every operational rank there: Duty Manager, Head of Guest Services, Director of Accommodation, Director of Food & Beverage, and then Director of Operations. He was subsequently appointed Hotel Manager, before becoming General Manager of the Parisian palace hotel in March 2023.
He held this position for nearly three years, until his replacement by Arnaud de Saint-Exupéry, effective 1 October 2025. This trajectory spanning almost three decades within a single establishment reflects an in-depth knowledge of every discipline within luxury hospitality.
A dual grounding in operations and strategy
A graduate of the École d’Hôtellerie et de Tourisme du Luxembourg, Laurent Herschbach further trained in hotel management at Cornell University and in finance at HEC Paris. This dual expertise, both operational and strategic, is expected to support the development of the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, an establishment opened in 1886 in the heart of Monaco’s Carré d’Or, just steps from the Casino de Monte-Carlo.
A rapid succession at the helm of the Métropole
The property has seen several changes in leadership within the space of a few months. Serge Ethuin, newly retired, left the Métropole Monte-Carlo in April 2026 after a decade at its helm, capping a career of more than forty years within the group. Klaus Kabelitz had then left London, where he had been running The Kensington ( The Doyle Collection), to oversee the transition during the Monegasque high season.
The challenges facing an LHW-affiliated palace hotel
As General Manager, Laurent Herschbach will be tasked with continuing to enhance the property’s international standing, strengthening its position among the world’s finest addresses, and guiding the teams in a drive for excellence and innovation, while preserving the singular identity of this Monegasque institution, balancing heritage, creativity and the art of hospitality.
The hotel, entirely reimagined by designer Jacques Garcia, offers a dining programme by Christophe Cussac, including the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac, as well as a spa opened in July 2025 in partnership with Maison Guerlain. The Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, a collection bringing together more than 400 independent luxury hotels in over 80 countries.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Laurent Herschbach named General Manager of Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo
Appointment effective October 1, replacing interim GM Klaus Kabelitz
Nearly three decades at the Ritz Paris (1997-2025), rising from receptionist to General Manager (2023-2025)
Educated at the École d’Hôtellerie et de Tourisme du Luxembourg, with further training at Cornell University and HEC Paris
Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, opened in 1886, is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World
Third change of leadership at the property within an 18-month window, following Serge Ethuin’s 2026 departure
