Managing a fast-growing regional portfolio of strategic significance for Accor, Paul Stevens has been appointed chief operating officer of the Middle East, Turkey and Africa. He will overlook the brand’s premium, midscale and economy division.
With three decades of experience in delivering operational and financial performance, Stevens is a strong hotelier with a stellar track record of working with iconic brands, such as Sofitel Hotels & Resorts in Fiji, the Bezzina Property Group and Novotel Hotels & Resorts in Australia.
In his new role, Stevens will oversee a large portfolio of over 200 hotels, the equivalent of 52,000 keys, across 11 brands that range from premium to midscale and economy. His responsibilities include new hotel developments, alongside the conceptualization and execution of operational and commercial strategies.
Prior to his latest appointment, Stevens held the position of CEO for Accor Plus, where he was responsible for managing Accor’s subscription loyalty program in Asia Pacific.
Commenting on his new job position, Stevens stated: “Being in this role for Accor feels like a very natural progression after so many years with the brand. 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.”
Duncan O’Rourke, CEO of Accor’s premium, midscale and economy brands, of the Middle East, Africa, Turkey & Asia Pacific, noted: “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 that 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.”
Several critical openings for the region will be overseen by Stevens and his team in the coming year, with Accor opening 18 hotels — the equivalent of 4,259 keys — in 2023 alone. 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.
