Who is Anaïs Habbar?

Anaïs Habbar is the newly appointed CEO of DL SERVICES USA, Inc., a transformative leader whose journey spans continents—from Chile to France to the United States. Known for her people-first approach, emotional intelligence, and mastery of luxury, hospitality, and maritime design, she has built a career rooted in connection, courage, and authenticity. Anaïs also champions women’s empowerment through H2A and leads future-focused training through the Galley at Sea Academy.

A Story of Rising Higher

The first time Anaïs Habbar understood the power of connection, she was standing under the warm summer lights of a small stage in France—singing for a gathered crowd. The applause that followed did more than reward a childhood performance; it revealed something vital. She felt seen, encouraged, and uplifted. She sensed how presence can move people, how energy passes from one heart to another, and how authenticity speaks louder than perfection.

Years later, as she stepped into leadership across continents, she would return to that memory. She realized that the essence of leadership is not rooted in authority but in the ability to create emotional resonance. Her journey—from a child navigating identity to a woman shaping global maritime innovation—began with that early truth: human connection is transformative.

Born in Chile and adopted at a young age by her French parents, Anaïs grew up with a layered sense of identity. She moved between cultures, emotions, and questions, developing a profound sensitivity to the complexity of the human experience. This emotional awareness would become central to her leadership philosophy. Her favorite book, The 5 Wounds of the Soul, helped her articulate what she already felt intuitively—that our early wounds shape our reactions, our masks, and our patterns, but they do not have to define our future. Instead, they can be catalysts for growth.

It is why one of her guiding beliefs remains:

“Every wound is an invitation to rise higher.

For Anaïs, rising is not about erasing the past but transforming it into clarity, empathy, and strength.

The Foundation of a Human-Centered Leader

Growing up in France, Anaïs gravitated toward people and expression. She absorbed emotions quickly, sensed energy instinctively, and connected with others by observing what was left unsaid. This intuition became especially important in 2007, when she took a summer job onboard Brittany Ferries. Moving between roles in the restaurant and the duty-free boutique, she discovered that hospitality was less about service and more about emotional intelligence.

She learned to adapt to each guest’s energy, read what they needed before they asked, and use silence as a form of communication. A pivotal moment came when she proposed offering makeup sessions using boutique products, combining her background in beauty with her desire to uplift women. The idea increased sales, but its true impact was emotional—women left smiling, radiant, and more confident than when they arrived. It was the moment Anaïs realized that creating value begins with creating connection.

At twenty-five, she made one of the boldest decisions of her life: leaving France to pursue her American dream. With courage, ambition, and an unwavering sense of purpose, she rebuilt her life in the United States—an act of resilience that would shape her leadership for decades to come.

A Career Built on Courage and Connection

Anaïs’s ascent at DL SERVICES USA, Inc. spans seventeen years of dedication, vision, and evolution. She grew through nearly every leadership tier—from Project Development Manager to Director of Business Development, then Vice President, and now CEO. Her leadership is defined by a rare blend of strategic clarity and emotional depth.

She leads with presence. She listens fully. She creates clarity where complexity lives. And she builds bridges between architects, designers, shipbuilders, operators, and suppliers—ensuring every project moves with intention and unity.

Her peers describe her impact with admiration:

“Anaïs takes the right decisions in challenging environments and deploys clear strategies that help businesses grow and flourish.” —Alexis Bourgault

“She truly understands her customers and consistently exceeds expectations.” —Patricia Rosas

“Kind-hearted, adaptable, and generous with her knowledge—Anaïs is an invaluable asset to any team.” —Josiane N.

“Ambitious, human, and always exceeding objectives—she elevates everyone around her.” —Clem Leleu

These reflections paint a portrait of a leader who elevates others as she rises.

Empowering Women, Transforming Industries

Beyond her executive roles, Anaïs’s work is deeply human. Through H2A, she guides women toward authenticity, confidence, and self-knowledge. Her belief that beauty begins with inner truth fuels each transformation she leads.

Through The Galley at Sea Academy, she prepares the next generation of maritime professionals with a combination of on-site training, mentorship, and digital innovation. The academy’s GalleyPro app extends her mission, offering accessible tools that strengthen workforce readiness across a rapidly expanding global industry.

As a Board Member of the Marine Hotel Association, she represents the supplier community with a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and guest-centered excellence.

Her work with Griffon Haute Joaillerie reflects her appreciation for craftsmanship and rare artistry. Representing a Maison dedicated to bespoke luxury aligns with her belief that every person, like every jewel, carries a unique story.

One of her proudest professional moments is her involvement with the visionary Ulyssia Residences, a 320-meter residential megayacht redefining how people travel, live, and connect. Contributing to the design of its galleys and provision areas is not only a technical achievement but a symbolic one—helping shape the heart of a floating global community.

Leading With Soul and Strategy

Today, as CEO, Anaïs leads with the full weight of her experiences—her origins, her intuition, her emotional intelligence, and her global perspective. She believes that leadership requires both strength and softness, both strategy and soul. Her approach reflects a simple truth: excellence is born from empathy, collaboration, and integrity.

Her journey reminds us that rising higher is not about leaving wounds behind but transforming them into wisdom. It is about leading with heart, building with purpose, and choosing authenticity over expectation.


Editorial Note

Anaïs Habbar’s story challenges today’s leaders to rethink what leadership means. Her journey is a testament to courage, resilience, and the quiet power of human connection. She urges us to lead not only with strategy but with sincerity—to lift others as we climb, to honor our roots, and to rise higher with intention.

Her life reminds us that true leadership is not measured by titles but by the lives we touch and the legacy we leave behind.