The landscape of Monaco’s most iconic institution is shifting. After a three-year tenure at the helm of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, Albert Manzone is stepping down as General Manager. The move comes as part of a significant governance overhaul designed to streamline operations as the Group prepares for international expansion.
Manzone’s departure, confirmed in a press release on 28th April, marks the end of a chapter that began in April 2023. The position of General Manager has been eliminated entirely, with the Group opting instead for a structure that places operational leadership more directly under Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Stéphane Valeri.
A new appointment at the top
In a swift response, SBM announced on 12th May the appointment of Romain Meiran as Chief Operating Officer, effective 1st July. Meiran will join the Executive Committee, bringing with him 30 years of experience at some of the world’s most prestigious addresses — among them the Ritz Paris, Plaza Athénée, Crillon, Meurice, Cheval Blanc Courchevel and Paris, La Réserve Paris, Royal Mansour Marrakech, and most recently the Barrière Group, where he served as Director of Hotel Operations.
His remit at SBM will be broad. Meiran will oversee the Group’s hotels, restaurants, bars, spas, the One Monte-Carlo convention centre, the Monte-Carlo Cigar Club, the Hôtel de Paris Wine Cellars, New Moods and Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo, alongside the Marketing and Sales, Information Systems, and Security and Fire Safety departments.
Human Resources, Finance, Gaming and Artistic Direction will report directly to Valeri.
A new hierarchy for new ambitions
The restructuring reflects what SBM describes as a strategic evolution — tightening the link between Executive Committee leadership and on-the-ground hospitality performance, with a clear focus on operational and commercial excellence.
The Executive Committee as of 1st July 2026 will comprise Stéphane Valeri as Chairman and CEO; Romain Meiran as Chief Operating Officer; Virginie Cotta, Corporate Secretary; Vincent Bouvet, Chief Financial Officer; Cédric Lorenzi, Director of Gaming Operations; Sophie Vincent, Chief Human Resources Officer; Pascal Camia, Chief International Development Officer; Olivier Bernard, Chief Construction and Real Estate Development Officer; Antoine Dubois, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer; and Thierry Berthouloux, Chief Information Officer.
Looking towards 2027
The timing is significant. SBM is preparing for a historic milestone — the opening of its first hotel outside Monaco, slated for 2027 — while navigating an increasingly competitive global luxury market.