Orient Express appoints Amélie Thiriet as chief executive officer
Amélie Thiriet joins Orient Express as CEO from LVMH Hotel Management as the luxury travel brand develops its hotels, trains and sailing yachts.
Sarah Shaw
9 min read
Orient Express has appointed Amélie Thiriet as chief executive officer, bringing a senior commercial and brand leader from LVMH Hotel Management into the business as it develops its hotels, trains and sailing yachts.
Thiriet previously served as Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Communication at LVMH Hotel Management, working with Cheval Blanc. The appointment announcement, published by Hospitality Net on 13 October and credited to Orient Express, highlights her experience in luxury hospitality, brand development and strategic growth.
From Cheval Blanc to Orient Express
According to recruitment firm Vendôm Talents, Thiriet joined the Cheval Blanc organisation in 2021 as Head of Marketing & Communication. Her earlier career included roles at Adova Group, Stanhome, British American Tobacco and Danone.
An ESCP graduate, she brings a background spanning marketing, communications and business development. Her public professional profile now identifies her as CEO of Orient Express and describes experience leading commercial and brand strategy at Cheval Blanc, alongside transformation roles in other industries.
A growing portfolio across land and sea
The appointment comes as Orient Express develops a travel business connecting hotel stays with rail and maritime journeys. Accor and LVMH announced their strategic partnership in June 2024, with LVMH investing in the brand, the company operating its hotels and trains, and the entity owning its sailing ships.
The portfolio has since expanded in Italy. Orient Express La Minerva in Rome and the La Dolce Vita Orient Express train launched in 2025. Orient Express Venezia followed on 30 March 2026, opening at Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice.
Accor’s brand overview lists two hotels, one train and one sailing yacht as of 30 June 2026, including Orient Express Corinthian. Together, these different formats place commercial coordination, service delivery and a consistent brand identity at the centre of the business’s development.
For hospitality leaders, Thiriet’s move is a notable example of a commercial and marketing career progressing into overall business leadership within luxury travel.
Related coverage: Maria Strati joins Shedir Collection as Chief Commercial Officer.
Sources
Orient Express appointment announcement via Hospitality Net; Vendôm Talents appointment post; Amélie Thiriet’s professional profile; LVMH and Accor partnership announcement; Orient Express Venezia opening announcement; Accor’s Orient Express brand overview.
