IWD 2025 - an interview with: Veronique Holveck

Tell us a little about your career journey leading to where you are now.

Graduate of the Strasbourg Hotel School (one of the best in France and Europe) and holder since 2013 of the National Diploma of Lecturer approved by the French Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Tourism in English, German and Spanish, I immediately loved hospitality, tourism, culture and events. I knew it was where I wanted to be. I managed to rise through the ranks quickly and successfully launched 5 new Global Sales and Marketing offices of integrated and franchised establishments. My various responsibilities in these sectors for more than 25 years have enabled me to set up new structures in connection with operational, commercial and international teams in several European markets.

Thanks to my confirmed expertise in premium, deluxe hotels, tourism and meetings, I was elected in July 2022 as a President of MPI (Meeting Professionals International), the largest B2B association in the world in the MICE industry. I manage MPI's development strategy with key professionals (CEO, VP, Founders, managing directors, etc..) of the MICE segment based mainly in France, Switzerland, Monaco, UK and Germany. In addition to my confirmed expertise in the corporate travel and events industries, I am also involved in political life. Elected in 2020 for 6 years Vice president for Culture and Tourism in a regional natural park near Paris that brings together 53 cities and villages, I am very involved in their cultural and tourist influence. I am in regular contact with various ministries in France to set up my strategy.

What does the International Women’s Day slogan “accelerate action” mean for you?

It's a global day to recognize and celebrate women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It's also a special day to highlight the progress made in advancing women's rights and the ongoing efforts needed to ensure their full participation in all aspects of society. Even if progress was made in some countries in the last few years in advancing women’s rights, for me this slogan remains a call for urgency, inclusion and change. It means that equality cannot wait, and that all sectors of society must work together to quicken the pace of progress for women's rights and empowerment. 

How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

All together we are stronger! Comparison and competition are common among women. But inspired women uplift, train, encourage and empower other women. We should recognize the amazing attributes women leaders can bring to any organization and make sure women support each other every step of the way.

How important is diversity across senior leadership teams?

Having a diverse senior leadership team with different profiles is crucial, as it brings a range of perspectives and complementary experiences to the decision-making process in company. Increasing the diversity of leadership teams enables better innovation. And the same in society.

Senior leadership: 26%, C-suite: 19%, 1 in 4: Chief-level. These are the

percentages and numbers of female leaders in our industry. What do these

numbers represent to you?

I am not surprised by these figures. I myself have suffered from these inequalities in my sector. These figures clearly and certainly demonstrate that gender parity is far from being

achieved and that there is still a long way to go to balance these percentages between men and women! To remedy this, I do believe it is also essential that there be a political and governmental will to change these figures. Thanks god, achieving gender equality is a core principle and non-negotiable objective for the European Union. In my country, the 'Rixain' law, which dates from 2021, requires companies based in France to achieve a target of 30% of women as senior executives, and 30% of women as members of management bodies from 1 March 2026. This target will be 40% from 1 March 2029: companies will then have two years to comply with these objectives, under penalty of a financial penalty.

As a successful leader, how do you think (business) leaders can accelerate action toward closing the gender gap and ensuring equal opportunities in the workplace?

By encouraging open dialogue about diversity and inclusion among employees and between colleagues. And any leader or team leader should do so that all their employees feel equally valued and respected 

What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to a woman thinking of starting a career at leadership level?

Invest in your learning, personal development and skill set. There is always room for growth, and you must make growth a priority as a leader if you want to succeed. Trust yourself! Also, invest in your team members because they are the greatest asset.