During our Masterclass in Managerial Excellence, we had the honor of welcoming Laurent Michaud, director of the Olympic and Paralympic Villages for the Paris 2024 Games. With an impressive career that led him from Club Med resorts to Center Parcs tourist complexes, Laurent shared his experience in managing complex and innovative projects, while highlighting his human-centered and sustainable approach.
A career in hospitality
Laurent Michaud began his career in the hotel and tourism sector, quickly taking on responsibilities at Club Med and Pierre et Vacances Center Parcs, where he managed operations involving thousands of employees and millions of clients. This experience allowed him to refine his skills in management and customer service, two essential pillars in his management approach.
His current role, as director of the Olympic and Paralympic Villages, has led him to oversee the accommodation of 14,500 athletes across several sites in France. But his work doesn’t stop there: he is also responsible for the transformation of the Olympic Village into an ecological residential district after the Games, thus ensuring a sustainable legacy for the city of Paris.
Large-scale project management
Managing the Olympic and Paralympic Villages involves coordinating a wide range of stakeholders: local authorities, real estate developers, and of course, the Games’ organizing teams. Laurent quickly understood the importance of collaborating with various partners to ensure that the infrastructure was ready on time, while meeting the high environmental requirements of Paris 2024.
“We wanted the Olympic Village to be an example of sustainable legacy,” Laurent explained, referring to the air conditioning-free cooling systems that were integrated to reduce carbon impact. This innovative approach demonstrates the importance of sustainable innovation in planning an event of such magnitude.
A village designed for athletes, but also for the future
One of the most fascinating aspects of the project was the design of the Olympic Village, taking into account the specific needs of Paralympic athletes. Laurent and his team worked closely with experts to ensure the village was 100% accessible, with apartments and public spaces adapted for everyone, thus guaranteeing the comfort and safety of the athletes.
This focus on accessibility was one of the key innovations of Paris 2024. “This is the first time that all apartments are fully accessible, without having to assign specific rooms to athletes based on their disability,” he added.
Creating an unforgettable experience
Beyond the technical aspects, Laurent focused on the creation of a true experience for the athletes. The goal was not simply to provide them with a place to sleep and eat, but to offer them a friendly and relaxing environment. Cafes, pétanque courts, and even a nursery for athletes with children were installed in the village to meet all needs.
“We wanted them to feel good upon arrival and fully enjoy their stay,” he specified. The challenge was to streamline processes, from registration to accreditation, to avoid long waits and ensure a seamless experience for the athletes.
A lasting legacy
After the Games, the Olympic Village will not be dismantled, but transformed into an ecological residential district, where more than 6,000 residents will settle. This initiative is part of Paris 2024’s commitment to reduce its carbon footprint and leave a positive impact on the city. The air conditioning-free cooling systems will remain in place, thus contributing to the long-term sustainability of the district.
Leadership focused on people and sustainability
Laurent Michaud’s journey, from his beginnings at Club Med to his role as director of the Olympic and Paralympic Villages, demonstrates his ability to manage complex projects while maintaining a human focus. For him, the essential thing is to create a collaborative work environment where stakeholders feel heard and involved.
“The human experience I had leading this project is far more incredible than anything I’ve done before,” he confided. This adventure is not just a logistical challenge, but also a collective achievement that will mark the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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