The story of the VERTU Exclusive Group began in 2017, when Gérald Lampaert, a Belgian-Swiss entrepreneur, embarked on a journey that would blend his passions for hospitality, travel, and service excellence into a new vision for the luxury hospitality industry. By that time, Gérald had spent over 30 years mastering the art of premium customer experiences, marked by a deep commitment to quality, refinement, and the creation of unforgettable moments. Guided by the charm and precision of Swiss-European luxury, he aimed to build a brand that would embody sophistication, warmth, and artistry in every guest interaction. This vision would eventually give birth to the VERTU Exclusive Group, a unique brand designed to elevate hospitality to a level where it intersected with art, elegance, and meticulous service.

In 2018, one year after launching the VERTU Exclusive Group, Gérald established VERTU Exclusive Hotels and Resorts. This new unit set the foundation for a collection of over 40 boutique properties worldwide, each curated to showcase the elegance and character of its unique surroundings. These hotels quickly became known for their personalized approach, luxurious ambiance, and attention to detail, attracting travelers who sought not only accommodation but also memorable and immersive experiences. The VERTU brand’s distinct personality—rooted in Gérald’s philosophy of service excellence and charm—began to resonate with guests and the industry alike.

Expanding beyond just hotels, Gérald recognized an opportunity to impact the wider hospitality sector. To do this, he launched VERTU Hospitality Service, a consultancy and operational support business unit that extended VERTU’s standards of excellence across the industry. With services including expert consulting, management solutions, and operational assistance, this division played a critical role in upholding VERTU’s high standards in both its own portfolio and those of other luxury brands. Gérald’s dedication to quality and his passion for service influenced not only VERTU’s operations but also began to shape hospitality practices across the sector.

Gérald Lampaert’s Path to VERTU: His journey to VERTU began long before 2017. Born in the late 1970s, Gérald developed an international perspective early in life, mastering multiple languages and living in several countries. His career took root in 1992 at The Walt Disney Company, where he gained experience in operations, sales, marketing, and organizing high-profile events. It was here that Gérald honed his skills in creating high-quality experiences, focusing on detail, structure, and customer-centric results. He collaborated with A&L Associates on Hard Rock Café’s mystery shopper program in Europe, furthering his understanding of quality management.

In 2002, Gérald founded Luxury Communication in Paris, focusing on luxury event management and communications. This venture positioned him at the heart of the luxury industry, and he strategically relocated to 16 Place Vendôme, renaming his company Vendôme Luxury Hospitality. This move symbolized his ambition to deliver services that met the high standards of the luxury market, and he quickly became a respected name in Parisian luxury events and hospitality circles. Over the years, Gérald continued to grow Vendôme Hospitality, even relocating to the prestigious 10 Place Vendôme as he expanded his European presence in the luxury sector.

After relocating to Zurich in 2015, Gérald took charge of LUXCOM, a Swiss hospitality and events company. Meanwhile, he managed Vendôme Luxury Hospitality and continued to expand his influence in international hospitality. With an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to create his own hotel group, he conceived Riva Signature Hospitality Management in 2017, which evolved into VERTU Exclusive Boutique Hotels and Resorts by September 2018. This transition marked the realization of Gérald’s dream to innovate in the hospitality world, bringing sophistication and a fresh perspective to boutique luxury hotels. Even amid the global pandemic, Gérald’s leadership ensured the resilience and continued growth of the VERTU brand.

A Distinct Vision and Style: Known for his elegance and attention to visual identity, Gérald has described his brand’s aesthetic as a reflection of his own tastes, favoring the timeless sophistication of black and white—an iconic combination he likens to the classic elegance of Coco Chanel. This distinctive approach to brand design further solidifies VERTU’s place in the luxury hospitality market, creating a visual identity that resonates with the refined and classic values his company embodies.

Today, Gérald Lampaert, as the Founder, Owner, President, and CEO of the VERTU Exclusive Group, continues to pursue and include new avenues within the realms of Art, Hospitality, Technology, Travel, and Events and many more. Through the VERTU Exclusive Group, he has cultivated a unique ecosystem that spans boutique hotels, consultancy services, entertainment, travels and industry support, continually elevating the industry through quality, elegance, and genuine service. His unwavering dedication and vision reflect the journey of an unconventional entrepreneur—a visionary who, with many more ambitions on the horizon, shows no signs of stopping.