In this special report for International Women’s Day 2025, we showcase the visionary leaders revolutionising hospitality through sustainability, innovation and exceptional experiences.
The travel and hospitality sectors continue to witness remarkable transformation led by pioneering women whose strategic vision combines luxury with purpose. From sustainable practices to community empowerment, these influential figures demonstrate how thoughtful leadership creates exceptional guest experiences while addressing broader societal and environmental challenges.
Kimberley Cohen & Leslie Kouhana
Maisons Pariente
Established in 2018 by sisters Kimberley Cohen and Leslie Kouhana alongside their father Patrick Pariente, Maisons Pariente exemplifies how family-driven vision can create distinctive luxury experiences. The collection has rapidly expanded to include prestigious properties such as Crillon le Brave in Provence, Hotel Lou Pinet in St Tropez, Hotel Le Coucou in Meribel, and most recently, Le Grand Mazarin in Paris, which welcomed guests beginning September 2023.
Each property maintains a unique personality while adhering to consistent principles that define the brand. The sisters established core values focusing on high-end service, authenticity, attention to detail, ultra-personalisation, comfort, thoughtful design, and generosity. This approach has allowed them to build a remarkable portfolio in a relatively short period.
What distinguishes the collection is how the family ownership structure influences the guest experience. Rather than following corporate standardisation, the properties reflect the personal touch and vision of their founders. This family-led approach ensures decisions prioritise long-term quality over short-term gains, creating environments where luxury feels both refined and welcoming.
Karolin Troubetzkoy
Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet
Karolin Troubetzkoy demonstrates how environmental leadership can become integral to luxury hospitality management. As Executive Director for Marketing and Operations at Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet, Troubetzkoy has established herself as a powerful advocate for sustainability within premium travel experiences.
Her impressive leadership extends well beyond her resorts. Having served four terms as President of the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association, founded the Saint Lucia Tourism Enhancement Fund, and led the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association as President, she currently chairs multiple conservation organisations including The Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund, the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund and the Education Foundation of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.
“No matter how big or small your organisation is, we all have an opportunity to contribute towards a better tomorrow and through our actions, inspire others to do the same,” Troubetzkoy explains. This philosophy manifests through numerous initiatives at her properties, from comprehensive water management systems and coral restoration projects to extensive efforts reducing plastic pollution.
Troubetzkoy personally engages with sustainability initiatives rather than delegating them to committees or departments. “I believe in the transformative power of collective commitment to environmental stewardship,” she notes, demonstrating how hands-on leadership creates authentic sustainability programmes that resonate with guests seeking genuine environmental consciousness alongside luxury.
The Women of Marginalised Communities
The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts
The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts has developed innovative approaches to sustainability that simultaneously address social challenges. Their partnership with NGO Phool represents sustainable luxury with practical impact, working with women from marginalised communities to upcycle floral decorations from their properties into incense sticks and cones.
This initiative transforms more than 10 tonnes of flower waste annually while creating economic opportunities for underserved women in Uttar Pradesh. The resulting products serve as sophisticated eco-conscious keepsakes for guests, infused with the brand’s signature fragrance, Tishya by The Leela. Beyond waste reduction, the programme supports preservation efforts for the Ganges River through responsible waste management.
The organisation extends its commitment to supporting women through additional programmes such as ‘Shefs at The Leela.’ This culinary arts initiative, developed in partnership with Dean with Us, celebrates Indian women chefs by creating unique dining experiences that showcase diverse backgrounds, regional culinary traditions, and food philosophies. The programme provides valuable visibility for talented female culinary professionals while offering guests authentic gastronomic experiences rooted in diverse cultural contexts.
Agnes Tjirare-Kerii
Wilderness Namibia
Agnes Tjirare-Kerii exemplifies how dedicated professionals can bridge conservation and community development in challenging contexts. As Impact Manager for Wilderness Namibia, she leads initiatives driving sustainable change and strengthening communities while protecting natural environments. Her 16-year career spans guiding, training, and community engagement, with particular focus on the Children in the Wilderness programme.
Tjirare-Kerii’s work frequently takes her to remote regions of Namibia, where she implements environmental education programmes and practical projects like gardening initiatives within Environmental School Clubs. Her commitment has earned recognition among Africa’s Top 100 Young Conservation Leaders, highlighting how individual dedication creates meaningful impact in conservation.
Her approach demonstrates how luxury travel operations in sensitive environments can contribute positively to local communities while protecting natural resources. By investing in educational initiatives and sustainable practices, tourism businesses can develop relationships with local populations that create mutual benefits and lasting environmental protection.
Samantha Jameson
Soapsmith & Hart Shoreditch
Samantha Jameson’s journey with Soapsmith illustrates how artisanal craftsmanship can enhance luxury hospitality experiences. Founded in 2010, Soapsmith grew from Jameson’s passion for fragrance creation and desire to bring sensory pleasure to everyday rituals. The company began when she transformed her soap-making hobby into a business, investing her savings to establish operations at the Old Clockworks in Walthamstow.
The brand officially launched in 2012 with a small collection of handcrafted products made personally by Jameson. Her recent partnership with boutique hotel Hart Shoreditch demonstrates how artisanal products can enhance guest experiences through authentic local connections. The collaboration features Soapsmith’s ‘Brick Lane’ scent, exclusively available at the hotel, celebrating the property’s East London location through sensory elements that reference the surrounding community.
This partnership exemplifies how thoughtful amenities can strengthen a hotel’s sense of place while supporting independent craftspeople. Rather than generic branded items, such collaborations provide guests with products that tell meaningful stories about their destination while delivering superior quality.
The success of these women leaders throughout the luxury travel sector continues demonstrating how thoughtful management approaches yield both commercial and social benefits. Their achievements establish new standards for responsible luxury that resonates with discerning travellers seeking authentic experiences with meaningful impact.