Managing a fast-growing regional portfolio of strategic significance for Accor, Paul Stevens has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Turkey and Africa, overlooking the Premium, Midscale and Economy division.
Bringing a 30-year track proven record of delivering operational and financial performance to his new role, Paul is a strong hospitality leader who has worked with iconic brands such as Sofitel Hotels & Resorts in Fiji, the Bezzina Property Group and Novotel Hotels & Resorts in Australia.
“This is an exciting time to be heading up operations for the Premium, Midscale and Economy division in the region, with countries like Saudi Arabia opening up to tourism, and the Middle East and Africa becoming a hugely popular destination for both business and leisure travel” said Paul.
In his new role he will oversee a large portfolio of over two hundred hotels, the equivalent of 52,000 keys, across eleven brands, ranging from Premium to Midscale and Economy. His responsibilities include new hotel developments, alongside the conceptualization and execution of operational and commercial strategies.
A number of key openings for the region will be overseen by Paul and his team in the coming year, with Accor opening 18 hotels, or 4,259 keys, in 2023. These will include Mercure Dubai Deira, Novotel Kinshasa La Gombe in Democratic Republic of Congo, Swissotel Bursa Uludag Mountain in Turkey, Movenpick Waad Al Shamal Turaif and Novotel Makkah Thakher City Residence in Saudi Arabia.
“We have a huge year ahead as we expand the Premium, Midscale and brands around the region in some of its most loved cities, from Istanbul to Dubai and Makkah to Kinshasa,” Paul added.
Prior to assuming the responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer, Paul held the position of Chief Executive Officer for Accor Plus, where he was responsible for managing Accor’s subscription loyalty program in Asia Pacific.
He has long been a loyal Accor team member, first joining the group in 1997 as a General Manager. He later returned in 2007 to join the team in Thailand as lead for Hotel Operations, followed by his appointment as Vice President Operations for Midscale and Economy brands Upper Southeast Asia, leading the operation for the region out of the Bangkok Regional Office.
“Being in this role for Accor feels like a very natural progression after so many years with the brand,” Paul added. “I have grown so much over my decades with the Group and for me to have reached this point in my career under the Accor brand is something that when I first joined back in the 1990s, seemed like a distant goal. I am extremely proud to have this honor and responsibility.”
Now, his remit will include the Accor brands including Swissotel, Pullman, Movenpick, Novotel, Ibis, ibis budget, ibis styles, Adagio, Grand Mercure, Movenpick and Novotel Suites, with one of his main objectives being to grow the footprint of the brands. Additionally, he will be tasked with building and maintaining relationships with business partners, alongside the integration of the company’s vision and values, the ongoing improvement in financial performance, as well as maintaining an excellent level of brand standards.
On the appointment, Duncan O’Rourke, CEO Premium, Midscale and Economy brands, Middle East, Africa, Turkey & Asia Pacific, commented “I am delighted to welcome Paul to his new role. With his extensive knowledge and proven expertise, including senior management positions in global brands, and a track record which has shown him truly climb the Accor ladder, Paul is the perfect fit to lead the region. A loyal Accor team member, we trust Paul’s dedication and vision as he takes over this important new role in a critical region for the brand as it continues to grow.”
