From corporate precision to lifestyle creativity, Khalid Silbouhali is shaping two of Kinshasa’s most talked-about hotels.

As the Cluster GM for Novotel and Ibis Styles Kinshasa, his leadership isn’t just about hitting KPIs — it’s about rewriting the guest experience playbook.

In this Q&A, Khalid opens up about leading transformation, sustaining award-winning service, embedding sustainability, and bringing bold new ideas to life as Ibis Styles Kinshasa prepares for launch.

Dive in for a rare look at how excellence is built — one decision, one mindset shift, one team at a time.

Snapshot

Name: Khalid Silbouhali

Role: Cluster General Manager, Novotel Kinshasa & Ibis Styles Kinshasa

Joined: March 2025

Experience: 20+ years in international hotel operations

Highlights:

• “Leading Hotel of DRC” (2024 – Novotel Kinshasa)

• Green Key Certified (2025 – Novotel Kinshasa)

• Launching Ibis Styles Kinshasa (Q1 2026)

Focus Areas: Team alignment, service transformation, F&B innovation, pre-opening execution, guest loyalty, sustainability

Q&A

Q1: What was your first mandate when you arrived in Kinshasa?

A: My mandate was clear: stabilize, energize, and raise the bar. Novotel Kinshasa already had visibility in the market, but systems, service consistency, and internal morale needed realignment. I focused on setting clear expectations, building accountability, and reintroducing rigor across departments—without losing the warmth and authenticity that Congolese hospitality is known for.

Q2: Novotel Kinshasa was named “Leading Hotel of DRC” in 2024. What is your approach to sustaining that recognition?

A. That award created a benchmark. And benchmarks demand follow-through. My team and I have focused on what I call the “last mile”—those final, often overlooked details that define excellence. From service flow to response time to how breakfast is experienced—every moment matters. My role is to embed this thinking into our culture, every single day.

Q3: As Cluster GM, you're now preparing to open Ibis Styles Kinshasa. What excites you most about this project?

A. Everything. Ibis Styles is a different canvas—playful, bold, design-led. We’re bringing in a completely fresh energy with our F&B outlets, each telling a different story. There are concepts designed to reflect Kinshasa's urban and local flavors as well as a hidden spot that will surprise the city. I can’t reveal too much yet—it’s meant to be discovered. What excites me is the chance to shape a lifestyle experience that Kinshasa hasn’t seen before, while maintaining synergy with the Novotel’s more corporate, anchored identity.

Q4: How are you approaching sustainability across both hotels?

Sustainability is about mindset and discipline. At Novotel Kinshasa, we achieved Green Key certification—something I’m proud of because it reflects a real shift in how the team operates. We’ve reduced waste, improved resource planning, and sensitized staff to track environmental impact. At Ibis Styles, we’re integrating sustainability from day one—across procurement, design, and training. The goal is simple: to operate responsibly without compromising guest experience.

Q5: What do you believe is CHIC’s unique approach as an owner?

CHIC brings clarity and ambition. They understand hospitality from a business lens, but also recognize the human side of it. That makes the conversations sharper, the targets clearer, and the collaboration stronger. Their belief in quality and long-term reputation drives us to think beyond operations—and that’s what every GM needs to succeed.

CHIC Lens

Leadership is not only about standards—it’s about storytelling, stewardship, and strategic risk. Khalid Silbouhali brings all three. As Novotel Kinshasa sharpens its benchmark status and Ibis Styles prepares to redefine playful sophistication in the market, Khalid anchors the CHIC commitment: one portfolio, multiple expressions, same uncompromising pursuit of excellence.