‘You feel it when hotel project you believed in becomes a place where people love to stay and work’
Erwan Garnier is the senior director, Development Africa at Radisson Hotel Group, a global hospitality company.
The French national, who is based in Lisbon, Portugal, oversees the group’s strategic growth across Africa, and has sourced, negotiated, and signed over 30 transactions of hotels, resorts, and serviced apartments projects across 12 countries, establishing the group’s presence in various new markets.
In this interview, Erwan, an expert hospitality developer and dealmaker in the African market, who is tasked with increasing the group’s regional hotel portfolio, shares with Obinna Emelike, his role, passion, leadership style, interest in hotel development, relationship with local partners and owners, the Nigerian market at large, among other related issues.
Excerpt.
Can you tell us a little about your journey into hospitality and what led you to focus on hotel development in Africa?
I started in operations because I loved the buzz of hotels and the craft of service. Those years gave me the discipline, empathy for teams, and a guest-first mindset. Development drew me in later, since it blends strategy, numbers, design, and cultural exchange. Africa made that mix even more meaningful. The continent’s diversity, its demographics, and the pace of urban change create real opportunity. I was also drawn to the idea of long-term value, not quick wins, working with local partners to deliver assets that create jobs, skills, and pride in place.
What first drew you to Radisson Hotel Group, and what keeps you inspired in your role today?
Radisson Hotel Group moves with purpose. The culture is entrepreneurial, decisions get made, and teams rally around owners and guests. I liked that from day one. We adapt to local realities, we back our partners, and we keep promises. What inspires me now is seeing that approach turn into openings that change a city block, a career, sometimes a whole district’s energy. You feel it when a project you believed in becomes a place where people love to stay and work.
Nigeria is a key market for Radisson Hotel Group. From a personal perspective, what do you enjoy most when visiting the country?
The people, first. Warm, direct, and full of momentum. Lagos and Abuja move at a pace that keeps you sharp, and the creativity is everywhere, from tech to music to food. I always try to sample jollof, suya, and fresh seafood, then catch up with partners to feel the pulse of the market. There is resilience and optimism in every meeting. You leave with ideas and a longer contact list.
How do you build trust and relationships with local partners and owners in markets like Nigeria?
You listen before you propose. Understand the owner’s vision, the site’s realities, and the capital stack. Then you are transparent about what will work and what won’t. Consistency builds credibility, and delivery cements it. We show up on the ground, we put our technical and commercial teams in the room early, and we stay present through opening and beyond. Partnerships last when incentives align and respect runs both ways.
What has been the most rewarding project or moment for you so far?
Cutting a ribbon is always special, but the best moments happen months later. You walk back into a hotel that was a challenging site, and you see a full lobby, a confident team, and an owner who is already planning the next deal. Watching young colleagues grow into leaders is equally rewarding. That is when a project stops being a file and becomes a platform for people and place.
Looking at Nigeria, what excites you most, not just as a developer, but as someone passionate about travel and culture?
The depth of culture. Music, fashion, film, and food set trends far beyond the country. As a traveler, I am excited by the contrasts, the coastline, the art scene, and the energy of secondary cities that are stepping forward. As a developer, I see potential in mixed-use, serviced apartments, and well-positioned upscale and lifestyle hotels that serve business during the week and locals on weekends. The ingredients for a standout destination story are already there.
What is your leadership style, and how do you approach building teams and partnerships across diverse regions?
Collaborative and accountable. I set clear outcomes, then give teams the space to own the path. I stay close to the details when needed and remove blockers quickly. Diversity of views makes us better, so I encourage pushbacks and debate, and then we commit and move. Across regions, context matters. I adapt my style to the market and partner, while keeping our standards and pace intact.
Outside of work, how do you unwind when you are traveling so frequently across Africa?
Fitness keeps me grounded, even if it is a short session in a hotel gym. I like to explore local neighborhoods, try a new spot for dinner, and pick up a book or a podcast on leadership or design. The other anchor is family. Staying connected on the road takes effort, and it is worth every call.
If you had to describe your vision for hospitality in Nigeria in just a few words, what would they be?
Inclusive, transformative, resilient, world-class, and rooted in local culture.
