Estrella Maillet has several hotel openings to her credit. She has also taught management and created Bachelor programs.

Estrella Maillet founded Talent Developer. Philippine Freiman directs its operations. Two profiles and two complementary backgrounds at the service of young people. The objective: to help them find their place and fit in the hotel and restaurant business.

They had to meet each other. Because Estrella Maillet and Philippine Freiman both love the immersion in new cultures, the practice of languages and cultures different from their own. Because they are also passionate about the hospitality and restaurant industry.  Estrella Maillet comes from Barcelona, she has opened several hotels, including a 5-star hotel in the Opera district in Paris, and taught management at Vatel hospitality school. Her experience and in-depth knowledge of the sector has also led her to manage operations at the EPMT school and to create Bachelor programs at Le Cordon Bleu Institute. Philippine Freiman, for her part, studied economics and management in Milan, and then took over the communication department of an art gallery based in Paris and Hong Kong. Then, back in France full time, she worked as a simultaneous translator for Le Cordon Bleu chefs who transmit their know-how to foreign students. It was at Le Cordon Bleu that Estrella Maillet and Philippine Freiman crossed paths. The former headed and developed Bachelor programs. The latter had left the school’s kitchens to take over the management of internships and create the alumni network. They worked in the same office and shared the same coffee machine: it quickly created bonds.

Philippine Freiman first managed communications for an art gallery before becoming a translator for Le Cordon Bleu chefs. She then managed internships and created the alumni network within the same institute.

“Being connected with the right tutor in the right company”.

Since September 2020, the duo has been working together at Talent Developer, a company founded by Estrella Maillet, with Philippine Freiman at the head of its operations. Their mission: “Find the right profile for the right internship or apprenticeship contract.” They therefore offer young people a tailor-made support service “to be connected with the right tutor in the right company”. Which is not always the case. What’s more, in this period of health crisis. But “we have already placed several students in internships since September,” confides Philippine Freiman. Students whom they prepare for their interview with the recruiter as well as for writing their CVs. Then, once they are on an internship or apprenticeship, the follow-up continues with a visit to the company, a report and an assessment of what they have learned. A way to reassure, encourage and value each young person. The key to a successful start to a professional career.

Article by Anne Eveillard for Talent Developer