UK based advisory firm, Heyward Group, specialised in leadership development, is pleased to announce the launch of its Paris office and the appointment of Vivien Ivanyi, previously Global Brand Director within Accor’s ultra-luxury division, who will oversee the Group’s operations and growing presence in France and across Europe.

At a time when human capital is becoming more and more a major issue  for the companies and in particular the hospitality industry, Heyward Group offers solutions and support that place individuals and teams at the heart of its approach. Based on the premise that taking into consideration the individual as such and his or her role within a team is a source of business performance, Heyward Group presents itself as a new player totally in tune with the challenges of its time.

Founded in 2015, Heyward Group, with offices in the UK and France, is focused on developing teams towards greater performance and delivering great business solutions.

As such, Heyward Group offers leadership development and advisory solutions ranging from bespoke coaching and behavioural profiling to digital transformation, change management and operational project management. With a strong focus on the hospitality industry, Heyward Group’s teams and solutions are relevant to all industries and markets.

Vivien is an international marketing and business leader with extensive experience in various industry including hospitality, transportation and luxury. She has lived and worked in four continents, and has successfully re-positioned, launched brands globally and in market (Rove Hotels for Emaar in Dubai, relaunch of Holiday Inn in France for IHG…) and developed impactful commercial strategies for organisations – from start-ups, advertising agencies (Proximity BBDO, TBWA), to multinationals. Passionate about developing talent and sustainability, Vivien is also a Coach for Master’s students at ESSEC’s IMHI  programme and is an active supporter of preserving heritage sites.

With a healthy client base and increasing demand in the UK, France, and Germany, the time felt right to expand our team of experts into Europe giving us the ability to provide further bespoke services in market. Working in tandem with clients in education such as Glion and leading hospitality organisations, we see the gap between the aspirations of new talent and the need for companies to adapt now in order to ensure they can meet the challenge of the talent crisis. We can and have supported organisations to find solutions in identifying talent and retaining them.” Michael Heyward, CEO & Founder of Heyward Group.

Michael adds, “We are excited to have Vivien join Heyward Group. With her rich international expertise in marketing, sustainability and education compliments perfectly our team and offering.”

Under Michael’s leadership, Heyward Group’s values and philosophy of unlocking business through people is truly inspiring. I am thrilled to be joining at this pivotal time for the hospitality and travel industry. There needs to be a massive reboot in terms of adapting to new customer demands and habits in tandem with the expectations of young talent. I am looking forward to working hand in hand with our clients delivering tailored solutions to address these new challenges. «  Vivien Ivanyi, Senior Director & Head of Heyward Group France.