Whilst studying tourism in Lyon Xavier crossed paths Paul Bocuse. He snapped up the opportunity to join the opening team of one of Monsieur Paul’s newest brasseries. Culinary kismet, the catalyst which propelled Xavier to spend his life dedicated hospitality industry. Xavier moved to London and joined the opening team for Ian Schraeger’s Sanderson Hotel, where he met design icon Philippe Starck. Years later, that chance meeting opened doors to his next adventures, working alongside Starck to open Bon 2 and Kong. Later, he re-joined Starck, alongside the Trigano family and Cyril Aouizerate to launch the first Mama Shelter. With the taste for marketing and travel now lingering, Xavier’s path took him on an alchemic journey. Joining Scottish family business William Grant & Sons he launched Monkey Shoulder in the UK & France, and took the helm of Hendrick’s Gin, launching it around the world. His lust for travel blossomed profoundly, a love affair in search of the world’s best hotels, restaurants and cocktail bars. After spending time in more than 50 countries, he developed a network of operators across the global hospitality industry, as far flung as Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Hong Kong, Moscow, St Petersburg, Beirut, Dubai, New York, Los Angeles, Buenos Aires and Bogota, and of course, close to home in Europe.He met les trois garçons in 2007, during the early days of the original Experimental Cocktail Club in Paris. Upon meeting Romée de Goriainoff, Pierre-Charles Cros and Olivier Bon, sparks flew and quite immediately, a new partnership was born. In 2010, together they opened Experimental Cocktail Club Chinatown in London. A new step for Experimental Group, one that took the original founders out of France and soon after, on a journey to open bars, restaurants & hotels across the world alongside Xavier. Applying the nuanced balance of great food, impeccable drinks, an impressive network, and a penchant for incredible parties, Xavier brought a creative approach to the table alongside an acute sense of guerrilla marketing and tireless energy. A partner of Experimental Group, Xavier is also a director at drinks agency Orfeus where, over the last ten years, he has consulted for international brands including William Grant & Sons, Mattei Cap Corse, Cachaca Yaguara, Mount Gay, Domaine des Hautes Glaces, Tabasco, and many others. Xavier can be found in London, Paris, NYC, Verbier, Ibiza or Venice where, he uses his existing network to make Experimental Group guests’ visit a most formidable experience. He participates across panels, awards, and industry charities.