Marco Rabbia Confirmed as Managing Director Africa at Radisson Hotel Group
After leading the Radisson Blu Hotel Conakry since its opening, Marco Rabbia is now fully assuming his responsibilities as Managing Director Africa at Radisson Hotel Group. He had combined both positions, General Manager and Managing Director Africa, since March 2026.
His confirmation at the helm of this important region follows two years dedicated to the launch and operational development of the Guinean property.
In a message published on LinkedIn, the Radisson Blu Conakry team acknowledged his contribution to establishing the hotel’s operational structure, shaping its identity and supporting its employees.
They particularly highlighted a management approach based on accessibility, active listening and team development.
For Marco Rabbia, the appointment marks a transition from operational responsibility for an individual property to a leadership role covering the African continent.
However, the hotel’s announcement does not specify the exact scope of his new responsibilities.
Pascal Bailly Takes Over as General Manager of Radisson Blu Hotel Conakry
Pascal Bailly confirmed his appointment on LinkedIn in November 2026. He succeeds Marco Rabbia, with responsibility for continuing the hotel’s development and consolidating its operational performance.
His career reflects a broad range of experience gained with major international hotel brands and independent properties, with particular expertise in hotel openings, food and beverage operations and operational management.
Recent Experience in West and Central Africa
Before joining Radisson Blu Conakry, Pascal Bailly notably managed the Seen Hotel Abidjan Plateau in Côte d’Ivoire between March 2024 and June 2025.
The 137-room property, which includes restaurant and meeting facilities, gave him responsibility for the entire hotel profit and loss account and for strengthening service standards.
His professional profile also mentions a hotel opening assignment undertaken in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2025, involving a 116-room property, a team of approximately 100 employees and operations aligned with Accor standards.
This recent experience builds on his longstanding knowledge of the African hospitality market, notably acquired at the Sofitel Bamako in Mali, where he served as Director of Operations between 2004 and 2008.
From Fontevraud to Avène: Expertise in Hotel Openings and Repositioning
In France, Pascal Bailly has held several senior management positions at properties with distinct market positioning.
From January 2014 to September 2017, he managed Fontevraud Resort, within the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, overseeing its opening and operational development. The property combined accommodation, fine dining, including a Michelin-starred restaurant, and event facilities.
He subsequently took charge of l’Eau Thermale Avène l’Hôtel from September 2017 to November 2023, contributing to the opening and positioning of this wellness-focused hospitality destination.
These assignments demonstrate his ability to manage properties whose value proposition extends beyond accommodation to encompass dining, guest experience, wellness and events.
A Career Built Across Major International Hotel Operations
Pascal Bailly also served as Director of Operations at the Novotel Paris Tour Eiffel between December 2009 and June 2013.
With 792 rooms and several restaurant and meeting facilities, the property represents a significant example of his experience managing large-scale hotel operations.
Earlier in his career, he notably served as General Manager of Novotel Strasbourg Centre, Director of Operations at Sofitel Bucharest in Romania, and Food and Beverage Director at Sunway Hotel Phnom Penh in Cambodia.
A graduate in hotel management from the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines hospitality school, he brings several decades of experience across a wide range of operating environments.
Analysis | A Leadership Transition Highlighting the Importance of Operational Expertise in African Markets
These two appointments come at a time when hotel development across Africa requires both the ability to execute expansion strategies and operational expertise adapted to local market conditions.
Marco Rabbia’s promotion recognises the experience gained in managing a newly opened property, while Pascal Bailly’s arrival brings together expertise in financial management, team leadership and commercial development.
For the Radisson Blu Conakry, this transition reflects a familiar challenge in the hotel asset lifecycle: moving from the opening and establishment phase towards commercial and operational consolidation.
At group level, Marco Rabbia’s appointment also represents a management development worth monitoring as Radisson Hotel Group continues its expansion across the continent.
At a Glance
Marco Rabbia: Promoted to Managing Director Africa at Radisson Hotel Group.
Pascal Bailly: Appointed General Manager of Radisson Blu Hotel Conakry in November 2026.
Leadership transition: Rabbia previously led the hotel through its opening and first two years.
Professional background: Bailly has held senior hotel management positions in Africa, Europe and Asia.
Operational expertise: Hotel openings, large-scale operations, gastronomy, wellness and financial management.
Strategic significance: Transition from opening-stage management to operational and commercial consolidation.
