“Start with Trust”: Pascal Bailly on Launching Novotel Kolwezi with Confidence

In this edition of CHIC Talks, we sit down with Pascal Bailly, the General Manager of Novotel Kolwezi—the latest addition to CHIC’s portfolio, which opened in June 2025. With over 25 years of international hospitality experience, Pascal brings a steady hand to one of CHIC’s most high-potential assets.

Pascal’s focus during the opening has been clear: deliver the basics perfectly, empower a young team, and build trust in Kolwezi’s business community from day one.

Pascal Bailly

Snapshot:

Name: Pascal Bailly

Role: General Manager, Novotel Kolwezi

Opened: August 2025

Experience: 25+ years, including senior leadership roles across Accor hotels in Africa and Europe

Focus Areas: Hotel openings, operational consistency, team empowerment, brand execution

Q&A:

Q1: What was your first priority when you arrived in Kolwezi?

A: My first priority was to build trust—with the team, with our guests, and with our owners. When you open a hotel, everything is new, but trust is what creates repeat business and team stability.

Q2: What distinguishes Novotel Kolwezi from other hotels in the region?

A: We’re raising the bar in service consistency. We deliver what we promise—clean rooms, professional staff, and seamless experiences. In a market like Kolwezi, that alone is a competitive advantage.

Q3: What excites you most about leading this hotel?

A: The energy. We have a young team, a brand-new hotel, and a city that’s growing. It’s the perfect moment to build a reputation and become the go-to hotel in the region.

Q4: What’s your approach to sustainability?

A: We’ve implemented practical steps from the start—energy-efficient systems, local supplier partnerships, and reduced waste initiatives. Sustainability isn’t a one-off—it’s built into how we operate daily.

CHIC Lens:

Novotel Kolwezi is more than just a hotel opening—it’s a brand promise being delivered in a fast-growing mining hub. Under Pascal’s leadership, CHIC is building not just a team but a long-term reputation in Kolwezi. And as he reminds us—hospitality begins with trust.