Aymeric Rocher, graduate of the MSc International Hospitality Management programme

Aymeric Rocher holds an MSc in International Hospitality Management from Institut Lyfe, a five-year degree programme run in collaboration with emlyon business school. He is currently Senior Project Manager at Stairway Management, a firm specialising in revenue management and digital strategy for the hospitality industry.

In this interview, he looks back on his academic career and the skills he developed during his studies, and shares his analysis of the major developments in the hospitality industry.

Can you tell us about your journey at Institut Lyfe?

I joined Institut Lyfe with a fourth year Bachelor’s degree specialising in Financial and Strategic Analysis of the International Hospitality Industry. My first professional experience in Revenue Management in Montreal played a decisive role in confirming my career plans. It allowed me to gauge the strategic impact of this role on hospitality performance and naturally led me to further develop this expertise.

In line with this, I chose to continue my studies with the MSc International Hospitality Management, a five-year degree programme run in collaboration with emlyon business school. This programme was a logical next step in my career path, strengthening both my academic skills and my preparation for the professional challenges of the sector.

What skills did you develop during your years of study at Institut Lyfe?

My years of training at Institut Lyfe allowed me to acquire in-depth sector expertise, particularly in hospitality distribution, pricing strategies, innovation and analysis of new market trends. They also gave me an advanced understanding of economic models and value creation mechanisms, particularly through a performance-oriented approach, digitalisation and revenue optimisation.

In addition, the Institute played a key role in developing my managerial maturity. Teamwork, leadership, professional communication and critical analysis of complex situations are now an integral part of my daily practice.

How has the MSc International Hospitality Management been an asset in your career?

The MSc International Hospitality Management, a five-year degree, allowed me to broaden my vision considerably beyond the hospitality industry. emlyon’s teaching methods, which are strongly focused on entrepreneurship, innovation and organisational transformation, strengthened my leadership, project management and strategic analysis skills.

This dual approach, at the crossroads of hospitality and management, now allows me to tackle professional issues with a global perspective, integrating economic, operational and human challenges.

Can you tell us about your position at Stairway Management and your main responsibilities?

As Senior Project Manager at Stairway Management, I support the growth and structuring of the company by leading projects aimed at improving our working methods, strengthening our internal processes and supporting the development of our teams’ skills.

I am also involved in onboarding new clients, from defining their needs to carrying out revenue management and digital strategy analyses, ensuring the quality and relevance of the recommendations made. At the same time, I coordinate cross-functional projects involving change management, team mobilisation and strategic alignment. Finally, I actively contribute to internal and external training initiatives by designing tailored programmes and regularly leading sessions for our teams and partners.

What developments or trends are you currently observing in the hospitality industry?

Since the pandemic, the hospitality industry has undergone profound changes. The investment market has shifted towards a greater focus on assets that can be repositioned or have strong value creation potential. At the same time, commercial and digital management has become more complex, driven by changes in booking behaviour, the rise of direct channels and the central role of data in decision-making.

Finally, there is a growing trend towards outsourcing revenue management. More and more establishments are calling on specialist experts to improve their performance, strategic agility and analytical capabilities.

What advice would you give to a prospective student wishing to pursue a career in hospitality?

Above all, I would advise them to cultivate their curiosity and not limit themselves to a single area of expertise. Understanding the diversity of the sector, keeping up with the latest developments, drawing inspiration from other industries and developing a solid general knowledge base are essential tools for anticipating change and creating value in a constantly evolving environment.

Do you have any memorable moments from your time at Institut Lyfe?

My years at Institut Lyfe were some of the most memorable of my career. I met people who were driven by strong values such as humility, camaraderie, professionalism and kindness. This community is a real force, extending far beyond the academic setting and continuing to have a positive impact on my professional career.

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Aymeric Rocher’s career path fully illustrates the value of a five-year degree in international hospitality management, combining sector expertise, strategic vision and openness to the business world. The MSc International Hospitality Management at Institut Lyfe trains individuals to thrive in complex, innovative and international environments.

Are you interested in pursuing a career in the hospitality industry and international management?

Learn more about du MSc International Hospitality Management