Belmond has appointed Laura Magnon-Pujo as Senior Vice President, Human Resources, strengthening its leadership team as the luxury hospitality brand continues to expand under LVMH ownership.
Based in London, Magnon-Pujo will lead Belmond’s global HR function and report directly to Dan Ruff, Chief Executive Officer. Her appointment signals the company’s continued investment in shaping a culture of inclusion and excellence across its diverse portfolio of hotels, trains, safari lodges, river cruises and corporate offices.
Magnon-Pujo brings more than 17 years of HR leadership experience within international luxury businesses. She joins Belmond from Moët Hennessy, where she spent eight years, most recently serving as HR Director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In that role, she led a substantial team guiding organisational transformation and embedding a culture of trust and inclusion across 80 countries.
Earlier in her career, Magnon-Pujo held HR leadership positions at De Beers Diamond Jewellers and LVMH Beauty UK, developing people strategies that championed creativity, performance and belonging. De Beers Diamond Jewellers was itself a joint venture between LVMH and De Beers Group from 2001 until 2017, giving Magnon-Pujo direct experience within the LVMH ecosystem that now encompasses Belmond.
A French national with dual French-British citizenship, Magnon-Pujo has lived in the United Kingdom for 17 years. She holds Master’s degrees in Human Resources Management and Occupational Psychology from Parisian universities, including Panthéon Sorbonne.
“Laura’s arrival strengthens our leadership team at an exciting moment for Belmond,” said Ruff. “She has a deep understanding of luxury businesses and what it takes to create an environment where people can do their best work. Her perspective on culture and leadership will help us continue to grow Belmond as a brand defined by quality and the personal touch, shaped by the local knowledge we see across our portfolio.”
Magnon-Pujo expressed enthusiasm about joining the company: “I have long admired Belmond’s commitment to creating experiences that celebrate people, place and culture. I am honoured to join Belmond and its extraordinary team. Together, we will build on a culture that fosters trust, inclusion and excellence so that every colleague feels proud to bring Belmond’s experiences to life.”
The appointment comes during a period of significant growth for Belmond. Founded over 45 years ago with the acquisition of Hotel Cipriani in Venice, the brand’s portfolio now spans 47 properties across 28 countries and territories, encompassing 32 hotels, six tourist trains, seven river cruise boats and two safaris. LVMH acquired Belmond in April 2019 for $3.2 billion, integrating the hospitality company into its portfolio of luxury brands.
Under the “Slow Luxury” philosophy championed by Ruff since becoming CEO in July 2023, Belmond has pursued strategic expansion whilst emphasising mindful travel experiences and deeper connections with destinations. The company launched the Britannic Explorer in July 2025 – England and Wales’ first luxury sleeper train – and continues to enhance its iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with new routes and experiences.
Seven Belmond properties were recognised in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 rankings, underscoring the brand’s position within the luxury hospitality sector. Ongoing developments include the multi-year renovation of Splendido in Portofino, scheduled for completion in mid-2025, the opening of Villa Beatrice as Belmond’s first private villa residence, and expansion into new markets including a 2027 opening in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.
Magnon-Pujo’s appointment reflects Belmond’s recognition that its people strategy is fundamental to delivering the distinctive experiences that define the brand. Her extensive background in driving HR transformation across luxury businesses positions her well to support Belmond’s continued evolution as a leader in experiential travel.
