December 11, 2009 � Hotel Métropole Monte-Carlo is pleased to announce the return of Jean-Claude Messant as General Manager, taking over from Luca Virgilio. Mr. Virgilio was appointed General Manager in November 2008, shortly after Mr. Messant had left his position to head the Hotel de Crillon in Paris.

Jean-Claude Messant will commence his position full time at the Métropole Monte-Carlo from the end of January 2010. Mr. Messant had orchestrated, in 2004, the opening of the Hotel Métropole Monte-Carlo, following a major renovation programme in conjunction with Joel Robuchon, Jacques Garcia, Beatrice Ardisson and Susan Harmsworth, founder of ESPA. During his seven years managing one of the Principality�s finest hotels, Mr Messant succeeded in taking the Métropole Monte-Carlo to the rank of one of the best hotels in the world.

"It is with great pleasure that I am welcoming again Jean-Claude Messant. I count on him, on his established capacities as a great professional in the luxury hotel industry, as well as on his dynamism and his determination, to further strengthen the international reputation of the Metropole Monte-Carlo. I completely trust him to develop our �know-how� through opportunities in the hospitality and upscale catering areas� comments Fadi Boustany, owner of the Métropole group.

Jean-Claude Messant adds : « I am particularly touched that Fadi Boustany offered me the opportunity to write the next chapter in the life of the Métropole Monte-Carlo. I very much look forward to entering, along with the team, a new era in the development of the Métropole group�.

Opened in 2004, the Hotel Métropole in Monte-Carlo was designed by the world famous interior designer Jacques Garcia who has created a true 21st Century palace. This contemporary and elegant hotel combines a subtle blend of its glorious past with Mediterranean tones. The opening of the Joël Robuchon Monte-Carlo Restaurant, which has two Michelin stars, has ensured it one of the top destination hotels in the world, while the Métropole ESPA Monte-Carlo rejoins the close-knit circle of �Leading Spas of the World�. The latest exciting development at the Metropole sees the addition of Joël Robuchon�s first Japanese restaurant, YOSHI, which opened in December 2008. The Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World of which it was voted �Best Hotel in Europe� for 2008.