Philippe Leboeuf returns to London as managing director of Raffles London at the OWO

Former Claridge’s general manager Philippe Leboeuf has been appointed managing director of Raffles London at the OWO, the hotel being developed at the Old War Office that is due to open next year.

As managing director he will be responsible for overseeing and executing operations for the flagship Raffles property, which will have nine restaurants and bars and a spa.

Most recently, Leboeuf was regional vice-president of operations for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and general manager of Mandarin Oriental Paris, positions he held since 2013 and 2010 respectively. Prior to joining Mandarin Oriental he was general manager of Claridge’s in London for three years.

The hotel contains 125 rooms and suites and 85 branded residences, and will sit within the former Grade II*-listed Old War Office building. The Hinduja Group owns the property, while Accor owns the Raffles Hotels & Resorts brand.

Leboeuf said: “I am honoured to be appointed managing director of Raffles London at the OWO. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I look forward to making the vision a reality for a new, unique destination for London, which captivates everyone who steps through its doors, creating special memories for hotel guests, residents of the 85 Raffles branded residences, and visitors to the collection of nine restaurants and bars.”

Stephen Alden, chief executive of Raffles and Orient Express, said: “On behalf of the Raffles brand, I am delighted to welcome Philippe to our flagship location in London. He is a true professional, well-known and highly respected throughout our industry, bringing a luxury pedigree and dedication to service excellence that our loyal guests, discerning travellers and local clientele will respect and admire.

"Having had the pleasure of working with him in the past, I am confident that under Philippe's guidance, the OWO will further Raffles’ reputation as an enduring and timeless brand, built upon a rich heritage and an uncompromising commitment to service, glamour and enchantment.”

Madani Sow, chief executive of Westminster Development Services, development manager for the OWO, added: “Leboeuf is a seasoned hotel operator, an incredible leader and, with his international experience, I am confident both Raffles London and the OWO will become one of the world’s leading hospitality destinations. He brings a unique skill-set to the role, and will offer guests the highly personalised and intuitive service that Raffles is renowned for.”

The Old War Office, completed in 1906 and designed by British architect William Young, was once the site of the original Palace of Whitehall, home to Henry VIII and other monarchs. The property served as the office to political and military leaders of the 20th century, notably Sir Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George and Lord Kitchener, and the haunt of the British Secret Service.

The hotel will be the first hotel in London for the Raffles brand, which started life in Singapore in 1887. Indian conglomerate Hinduja Group acquired the property for £350m in 2014. Raffles was bought, along with sister brands Fairmont and Swissôtel, as part of Accor's acquisition of parent company FRHI Holdings in 2016.