The Banking Executive Magazine - June 2025 Issue

InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWWITH MR. MATHIEU GREPPO, GENERAL MANAGER OF INTERCONTINENTAL PHOENICIA BEIRUT, ON LEADING WITH VISION, DELIVERING VALUE, AND REINFORCING RESILIENCE AMID LEBANON’S ECONOMIC REVIVAL. Q: MR. GREPPO, THANK YOU FOR JOINING US. COULD YOU BEGIN BY TELLING OUR READERS ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY AND THE KEY MILESTONES THAT SHAPED YOUR LEADERSHIP APPROACH IN THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR? A: Thank you. My hospitality journey began in 1993 in Paris at the Inter- Continental Le Grand, a landmark property that instilled in me a pro- found appreciation for excellence in service. Over the decades, I’ve worked across diverse regions, in- cluding Russia, Central Asia, Africa, Jordan, and the UAE. These experi- ences taught me the critical value of adaptability and cultural intelligence. Each destination presented different social and economic environments that enriched my leadership style and shaped how I navigate uncer- tainty. Beirut was a particularly meaningful ISSUE 198 JUNE 2025 the BANKING EXECUTIVE 17 EDITORIAL INTRODUCTION In a region where hospitality is not merely a service but a reflection of national identity, few institutions hold the em- blematic power of the InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut. In this exclusive interview, Banking Executive Magazine sits down with Mr. Mathieu Greppo, General Manager of InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut Hotel, to explore how this iconic hotel continues to navigate change while safeguarding its legacy. With insights shaped by a global career and a deep understanding of leadership under pressure, Mr. Greppo offers a compelling view into how Phoenicia has become more than a luxury destination—it is a symbol of resilience, continuity, and Lebanon’s enduring appeal. For decision-makers, investors, and professionals shaping the future of the Arab world, this conversation offers rare perspective on what it means to lead with purpose in a time of transformation. The Interview