Marta Bartolome joins URW’s Executive Committee
Marta Bartolome has been promoted to Executive Managing Director, Resources Europe, and joins the Executive Committee of Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield.
In her new role, she assumes responsibility for all European human resources functions while retaining oversight of HR at the group’s headquarters and across Southern Europe.
She joined URW in 2017 as Human Resources Director for Spain before being promoted to HR Director for Southern Europe in 2021.
Before joining the group, Marta Bartolome held various HR positions in Paris, Zurich and Madrid, notably at Barclays, Mondelēz International and HP.
A graduate of IESE Business School and Universidad Complutense de Madrid, she also holds a coaching certification obtained through a programme accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
INDUSTRY INSIGHT | Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield: A property group with a presence in hospitality
Primarily known for its shopping centres, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield also has direct links with the hospitality industry through its property portfolio and the development of major mixed-use urban complexes.
AdvertisementIn Paris, the group previously owned both the freehold and operating business of the Pullman Paris Montparnasse, a 957-room hotel operating under the Accor brand. The asset was sold in September 2025 to a consortium comprising Bain Capital, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and QuinSpark Investment Partners.
At La Défense, URW also owns, according to its 2023 Universal Registration Document, the hotel asset integrated into the CNIT complex, operating under the Hilton brand. This illustrates how retail property, offices, conference facilities and hotel accommodation can coexist within a single development.
Beyond these property holdings, the group’s shopping centres accommodate restaurants, leisure facilities and services that share key characteristics with the hospitality sector: customer experience, destination appeal and asset value enhancement.
For hotel investors and operators, URW therefore represents an example of the convergence between commercial property, hotel real estate and mixed-use destination development. Its governance decisions are consequently relevant beyond the shopping centre industry alone.
Marie de Chalendar takes charge of Total Rewards & Talent Development
Meanwhile, Marie de Chalendar has been promoted to Group Director, Total Rewards & Talent Development.
She assumes responsibility for the group’s HR centres of expertise, covering remuneration and benefits policies, talent development and training.
Her entire professional career has been spent at URW, which she joined in 2013 through its international graduate programme.
She subsequently held the positions of Group Talent Development Manager in 2017, Talent Development Director in 2022 and Total Rewards Director in 2025.
Her latest appointment broadens her remit to encompass several central functions within the group’s HR strategy.
Strategic Analysis | A More Integrated European HR Organisation
These two promotions reflect an evolution in URW’s human resources governance, characterised by stronger European coordination and a more structured approach to central HR expertise.
Marta Bartolome’s appointment to the Executive Committee gives HR matters direct representation at the highest level of corporate governance.
At the same time, bringing remuneration, talent development and training policies under Marie de Chalendar’s leadership could encourage a more integrated approach to skills management.
For an international property group, these functions are particularly important in managing organisational transformation, executive mobility and the retention of specialist talent.
The appointments also demonstrate a commitment to internal promotion, with both executives having spent a significant part of their careers within URW.
At a Glance
Group: Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW).
Marta Bartolome: Promoted to Executive Managing Director, Resources Europe, and appointed to the Executive Committee.
Scope: Oversight of European HR functions while retaining responsibilities for headquarters and Southern Europe.
Marie de Chalendar: Promoted to Group Director, Total Rewards & Talent Development.
Responsibilities: Remuneration, talent development and training.
Common factor: Both appointments are internal promotions within the group.
