Mandarin Oriental International Limited has announced the appointment of Cristina Diezhandino and Fabrice Megarbane as Independent Non-Executive Directors, effective August 1, 2024.
Cristina Diezhandino brings a wealth of experience from her role as Chief Marketing Officer and member of Diageo’s Executive Committee. With over 18 years at Diageo, Cristina has been instrumental in marketing, innovation, and digital transformation for some brands, including Diageo’s luxury division. As Chief Marketing Officer since July 2020, she has transformed Diageo’s portfolio. Her achievements include being recognized on Forbes World’s Most Influential CMOs List and being named Global Marketer of the Year by the World Federation of Advertisers in 2022. Before Diageo, Cristina held marketing leadership roles at Allied Domecq and Unilever across the United States, UK, and Spain.
Fabrice Megarbane joins the board with extensive expertise as Chief Global Growth Officer of L’Oréal and member of L’Oréal’s executive committee. His responsibilities include overseeing the company's eight regions, retail, e-commerce, and business transformation projects. Previously, Fabrice served as President and CEO of L’Oréal North Asia and CEO of L’Oréal China, managing a combined revenue exceeding EUR 10 billion and leading a team of 20,000. His 24-year career at L’Oréal spans roles in marketing and operations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Germany, China, and North Asia. Fabrice is recognized for his consumer insights, brand-building expertise, and experience in business and digital transformation.
“I am delighted to welcome Cristina and Fabrice to our Board. Cristina’s extensive experience and Fabrice’s track record will significantly bolster our Board’s expertise. Their appointments support our ambition to broaden the diversity of experience and backgrounds within our Board, a key element of good governance and decision-making.” - Ben Keswick, Chairman of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.
These appointments are expected to enhance Mandarin Oriental's governance structure, with the board now comprising 44% Independent Non-Executive Directors.
“The new director appointments of Cristina and Fabrice, two world-class marketing and business professionals, are extremely important in supporting our brand-led and guest-centric transformation. Their combined expertise in brand management, premiumisation, digital transformation, and immersive luxury experiences will be invaluable as we continue to elevate the Mandarin Oriental brand and deliver unparalleled luxury experiences to our guests. Their deep global experiences, as well as their value-based leadership culture, will help support the transformation of Mandarin Oriental Group. These appointments also underscore our commitment to generating strong returns for our owners and partners and creating value for our shareholders. I am thrilled to partner with Cristina and Fabrice to unfold Mandarin Oriental’s potential.” - Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.
