Where are you from originally? I’m French, born in Paris and I grew up in Normandy.

When did you move to Phuket? Four years ago.

What brought you here? The career opportunities combined with a good lifestyle, and a fascination with the mix of people and cultures.

What did you do before you come to Phuket? After my MBA graduation in sales and marketing in France, I worked in an import-export business in Europe and then in the hospitality industry In Krabi.

How did you come to be part of the Twinpalms Cruises management team? By meeting the Twinpalms Phuket General Manager who offered me the opportunity to manage their yachting division. I recognised this as a business with huge potential. At the same time, I would be able to contribute to the overall development of the yachting business in Phuket.

Please tell us about your job. What are the duties of the GM of Twinpalms Cruises? Twinpalms One is a fractionally-owned, 23-metre fly-bridge yacht with modern, exciting and stylish lines. I supervise all operations including maintenance, managing the crew, the optimisation of charter bookings and the maintenance and development of a high standard of service on board. Most importantly, I handle all contacts with each of the yacht shareholders.

What’s the best part of the job? The satisfaction of operating a stunningly beautiful vessel in an absolutely breathtaking archipelago, and delivering 100 per cent satisfaction to a discriminating clientele.

How you approach your job? Well it’s very interesting but challenging at the same time. The sea always brings surprises. It’s really like running a small luxury hotel with the considerable complication that it’s on the water. Twinpalms One can accommodate up to 20 guests on day cruises and up to eight on overnight cruises. At the end of the day, it’s managing the human relations aspects in dealing with staff and clients that is the crucial focus. It’s people that make the difference, not just the product (even when it’s a beautiful 76-foot fly-bridge motor yacht).

What is your motto for running the job? Discipline and professionalism in the ‘land of smiles’.

Tell us about your style of leadership. Straightforward and respectful.

Do you think you’re successful in your line of work? Well, it would be arrogant to claim perfection (even though I’m French) but seriously, I believe all the team is doing its best to achieve the company goals and to meet our passengers’ expectations. After two years of operations, we’re proud to see more and more returning passengers on board.

How do you handle stress? Learning Thai culture and playing sports helps.

Whereabouts do you live in Phuket? What determined your choice of location? I’m currently living close to Jungceylon, 20 minutes from my office on Surin Beach. It’s also close to Phuket Town and all the shops, restaurants and sports facilities.

Which parts of the province do you like best? I think Kathu Lake and the Phang Nga national park. They both offer a sublime combination of magnificent vistas and serenity; plus they both have good wakeboarding spots.

How is Phuket from your point of view? An interesting mix of cultures; a beautiful island set in a dream archipelago: a great tourist destination with a bright future.

What advantages to you see that gives Phuket an ‘edge’ in international tourist markets? The people are wonderful and Phuket is situated in close proximity to all the major cities in Asia.

What do you think Phuket’s administration could improve upon? Traffic control and the education of children regarding the dangers on the roads.

How old are you? I’m 29 years old.

What is you marital status? I’m still single.

Are you planning to start a family soon? OK, I ‘m in a relationship but I’ve got no immediate plans in that direction.

What are the activities that you like to share with your partner? Travel, boating and enjoying a good dinner with fine wines.

What do you consider most important for the enjoyment of your lifestyle? Having people around me who I trust and love. I’m also particularly devoted to music.

What music do you like best? My tastes are eclectic: everything from R and B and Hip-Hop through to classical music from Boccelli and Pavarotti.

Define the essence of your lifestyle for us, then. It’s to have a good balance between a job that I like, spending time with friends and my girlfriend, and playing sport.

What do you do in your free time? Tennis, squash and wakeboarding.

In a week, how many days do you spend on sports and fitness? At least three days a week.

Are you involved in any local charities, clubs or associations? I’m a member of SKAL.

For more information contact:
Twinpalms Cruises
Mobile: +66 (0)85 221 4572
Email: thibault@twinpalms-cruises.com