Florent Girardin is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at EHL. Florent obtained a PhD in marketing from HEC Lausanne. His academic research focuses on consumers’ reactions to luxury brand and product positioning strategies. In his doctoral dissertation, he investigated consumers’ perceptions of brand authenticity, a marketing concept that has gained increasing attention in the marketing discipline, both from academics and practitioners. Florent's work has been published in Journal of Consumer Psychology, Psychology and Marketing, Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, and Tourism Perspectives. He teaches Luxury Brand Management and Fundamentals of Marketing courses at EHL.
Degree programs
Executive Education for Individuals
Solutions for organizations
Teaching & Education Programs
The Luxury Hospitality Management Summer School 2025, a joint initiative by HEC Paris and EHL Hospitality Business School (EHL), builds on this reality. It offers a unique opportunity for young professionals, Masters students, recent graduates, and current University-level students to learn about brand management, customer orientation, service design and delivery in connection with luxury hotels and fine-dining restaurants. The curriculum includes sessions with expert faculty and practitioners, examining real-life cases, and engaging in discussions on current challenges faced by the luxury hospitality industry. Participants will gain skills and knowledge required to succeed in the luxury hospitality sector, including the commitment to excellence and personalized customer service.
This program is also designed to provide participants with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the wider luxury industry. It will focus on commitment to excellence and personalized customer service, understanding the key rules and characteristics that define a luxury brand strategy, and acquiring the essential skills required for a successful career in the luxury business. Participants will also appreciate the challenges facing luxury brands in view of the social, cultural, and economic changes affecting the luxury and hospitality industries.
Why this Summer Program?
- Gain hands-on experience. You will have the chance to interact with industry professionals, work with state-of-the-art technology and learn the ropes of the industry.
- Network with industry professionals and make valuable connections that could lead to many opportunities in the future.
- Enhance your resume, demonstrating your commitment to the industry and your willingness to invest in your education.
- Learn about emerging trends, new technologies, dedicated business models, and specific customer management.
- Develop new skills. The hospitality industry requires strong interpersonal skills, such as communication, teamwork, and customer service. Participating in this program will help you develop these skills, which are valuable assets for any career.
Program learning objectives
- Achieve familiarity with the luxury sector, and its key management principles
- Understand the key specificities of the luxury hospitality business, including trends and best practices
- Apply key management principles to make appropriate business decisions in the luxury hospitality sector
- Describe and analyze the characteristics of exceptional guest services and cultivate a customer-focused and service-oriented mindset
- Develop and formulate a strategy in the hospitality business based on market opportunities
Key facts
Credentials
Certificate of Achievement 5 ETCS
Tuitions
€3300 for full-time students
€4100 for young professionals
Start Dates
HEC: 30 June - 4 July 2025
EHL: 7 July - 11 July 2025
Language
English
Week 1 in-person at HEC Paris, France
Week 2 in-person at EHL Hospitality Business School, Lausanne, Switzerland
Content overview
Week 1 - HEC Paris
Week 2 - EHL Campus Lausanne
During the first week at HEC Paris, participants will be introduced to the key facets of luxury brands and learn how luxury brand management differs from traditional brand management. They will study the differences between a luxury business model and a fashion or premium business model and will investigate the characteristics of the luxury business sector. Participants will learn how to build and manage a luxury brand portfolio to create added value. Luxury brands’ case studies will be used to illustrate theoretical concepts with real-life examples. Participants will also learn how to design a luxury brand experience using a customer-centric approach.
Key topics covered
- Key facets of luxury brands
- How luxury brand management differs from traditional brand management.
- Differences between a luxury business model and a fashion or premium business model
- Characteristics of the luxury business sector.
- How to build and manage a luxury brand portfolio to create added value.
During the second week on EHL’s Lausanne campus, participants will be immersed in the world of luxury hospitality. They will learn the important values and “etiquette” of luxury hospitality, visit a luxury hotel and understand how luxury goods companies are developing customer experiences using hospitality. Participants will also learn how to design a hospitality concept and develop specific customer journeys. Through different workshops, they will experience fine dining and enology with experts from the field. Participants will also discover new trends in luxury hospitality.
Key topics covered
- Immersion in the world of luxury hospitality.
- Values and “etiquette” of luxury hospitality.
- How luxury goods companies are developing customer experiences using hospitality.
- New trends in luxury hospitality
- Visit a luxury hotel.
Admission
Admissions
Criteria
- Academic background: minimum 1-year post-high school studies.
- Motivation: demonstrated motivation for joining this summer program. How does participating in the program fit into your future goals or plans?
- Proficiency in English: strong B2 level or, preferably, C1 level CEFR
Start dates:
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Academic Directors
Testimonials
Program Video
Program FAQ
What is included in the program fees?
The program fees represent the price of tuition. This is 4,100 euros for young professionals, or 3,200 euros for full-time students. Lodging, food & beverages, and transportation are not covered by the program fees and should be budgeted separately. Participants are responsible for making their own accommodation and travel arrangements for each campus. Campus housing options are available at both HEC and EHL but are not mandatory.
Who is eligible for this program?
This Summer School is open to young professionals, recent graduates, master's students, and current University-level students. You do not need to be a student at the time of the program to apply.
What is the minimum age to apply?
The summer program's teaching methodology is tailored to accommodate participants with varying ages and experience levels. The program's average participant age is 23 years old. However, all participants need to have completed at least one year of undergraduate studies by the start of the program. The maximum age for participation is 30.
How to apply?
Applications are handled by HEC Paris directly on their online portal. To apply for a seat in up to two of our HEC Paris Summer Programs, please submit your application online with any supporting documentation required. Please note, all programs entail a full-time commitment, so participants can only attend one program per session. We encourage you to apply early as programs will remain open on a space-available basis. Required materials: Most recent academic transcript, Résumé (CV) Personal statement (if applying for merit-based scholarship) Online application including short-essay questions Non-refundable application fee of €50 per application. (1) For all non-native English speakers: English language proficiency test score report (TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, Cambridge or Duolingo) or evidence (e.g., transcript) of coursework completed in the English language. In certain cases, the Admissions team can also grant a phone/Skype interview to evaluate English language proficiency. (1) Payment of the €50 fee per application occurs by credit card at the time of the online application.
What is the application deadline?
Applications are assessed and admitted on a rolling basis for eligible candidates until the program is full. We therefore recommend applying early to ensure a place in the program. The admissions process is led by HEC Paris and will be closed on June 3rd, 2024 at the latest.
Visas & Travel Restrictions
A Student Visa is not required for this course. However, participants who are coming from countries outside of the EU/EEA zone may require a short-stay Schengen visa to enter France and Switzerland. You are responsible for ensuring that you have the necessary travel permissions and documentation. After confirming your place, you will be provided with documentation to facilitate your visa application.
Accommodation at HEC Paris and EHL
The Program Fees do not cover housing costs. Accommodation at HEC Paris: During the first week at HEC Paris, staying on the 340-acre campus is recommended in order to fully experience campus life. Although on-campus housing is not mandatory, participants are encouraged to stay on-campus for €300 for six nights in a furnished single room with en- suite bathroom and an equipped kitchenette. The HEC Residence provides bedding and towels, but participants are responsible for bringing their own toiletries. Participants can choose to stay off-campus during the first week during the confirmation process. Traveling to Lausanne Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to the EHL campus in Switzerland. However, taking the direct train from Paris to Lausanne is recommended as it is sustainable and takes less than four hours. Accommodation at EHL Campus Lausanne: During the second week at EHL Campus Lausanne, participants can choose to stay in modern accommodation. The rooms have a single bed, basic furnishings, and en- suite bathroom. The price per night CHF67 for a single room (city tax and sports facilities included). Bedding and towels are provided, and an ironing board and iron are available in the common laundry room. There are no cooking facilities in the rooms.
Do participants receive a certificate at the end of the program?
Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive a Certificate of Achievement leading to 5 ECTS issued jointly by EHL Hospitality Business School and HEC Paris. Students seeking credit are encouraged to consult their home institution to validate the credit transfer.
What is provided in the rooms?
At EHL, the rooms are as described above, but have no kitchen facilities. Please note, that accommodation fees and meals are not included in the program fees.
When is check-in / check-out?
Check-in EHL: Sunday 7th July 3-6pm or Monday 8th July from 7.30-8.30am. Classes will start afterward. The program will close at 5pm on Friday 12th July. Check-out EHL: Friday 12th July before class, or Saturday 13th July before 10am.
How much will I need for my meals?
At EHL, lunch and dinner are available for approximately CHF40 per meal (for a 3-course meal). You can also have breakfast for 15CHF.
You can also enhance your experience by having dinner at our different food outlets such as the Brasserie 1893 or our Michelin-star restaurant Berceau Des Sens (among other options). Kindly note that both restaurants mentioned must be reserved in advance.
EHL uses cashless payments. Please make sure to pack your debit/credit card to pay for your meals at our campus outlets.
Dress code
EHL applies a strict dress code for its students, which is compulsory from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. Please respect this dress code, you may familiarize yourself with it here: EHL Guide for Professional Appearance.
Assessment
Team-based Project (100%) of the final grade) Pick a brand and create/imagine a hospitality experience. Other activities: store check & exhibition. This is an accredited program. Students seeking credit are encouraged to consult their home institution to validate the credit transfer.