Ferret, who was previously chief executive of French hotel association Relais & Chateaux, will take up his position with SLH in September - Ferret will replace Filip Boyen, who has been chief executive for three years, and will be based at SLH’s headquarters in London.

He said: “Small Luxury Hotels of the World has gone through significant change in the last few years and I look forward to leading the talented international teams in further strengthening the brands operations and global footprint.”

Currently SLH represents more than 500 independent hotels across 80 countries around the world.

Before working for Relais & Chateaux, Ferret held senior positions with Hertz France, American Express Travel and Thomas Cook.

Jerome Tourbier, president of the advisory board of directors of SLH, said of Ferret’s appointment: “His experience and talent will enable the organisation to take another step forward in developing the activities of our hotel members and to grow the SLH brand internationally.

“His knowledge and expertise within the travel, hospitality, luxury and technology industries are key assets needed within the fast changing and developing global landscape.”