ACCOR announces  new appointments across Australia, New Zealand, French Polynesia and Fiji

Anne Gill has taken up the role of Senior Vice President Commercial, Premium,  Midscale and Economy, for Accor Pacific. Anne joined Accor in 2019 and has held the  role of Vice President Sales and Connected Partners in the Pacific region for the past three  and a half years. Prior to joining Accor, Anne held similar positions with a number of other  leading global and regional hotel companies across disciplines including Loyalty, Digital,  Marketing and Franchise operations. Anne takes up the leadership of the Accor Pacific  commercial team, as Renae Trimble has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer of  Accor Plus, the Asia Pacific loyalty subscription program of Accor.  

Steven Lake has been appointed Senior Vice President Finance, Premium, Midscale  and Economy, for Accor Pacific. Steven has 28 years of experience at Accor. During  this time, following a number of hotel and cluster Financial Controller roles, Steven spent  time as Corporate Asset Manager before then taking on the leadership of our operations  finance functions in Australia. In addition to his finance responsibilities, Steven was leader  of Procurement for 3 years and in his most recent role Steven has led and been integral in  growing Accor’s Hospitality Services division incorporating Qantas Lounges and, more  recently, Concierge, Cafés, Kiosks and 3rd spaces in Commercial Office towers. Steven  steps into the role as Philip Basha is promoted to Chief Financial Officer, Premium,  Midscale and Economy, for Accor in the Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific.

Angela Howard will commence in the position of Senior Vice President Talent &  Culture, Premium, Midscale & Economy, for Accor Pacific from 29th March 2023.  Angela is an accomplished executive with over 20 years’ experience delivering the strategic  direction and operational effectiveness of Human Resource practices within multi-site and  multi-business unit environments. Angela has most recently been performing a global role  as the Holland America Group Vice President of Talent and Culture within Carnival Corporation with brands including P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises, Holland America  Line, Cunard, Carnival Cruise Lines and Seabourn. Angela takes over from Shelley  Perkins who has been promoted to the role of Senior Vice President of Talent &  Culture, Premium, Midscale and Economy, for Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific. 

Claire Haigh has been promoted to Vice President Communications, Premium,  Midscale and Economy, for Accor Pacific. Claire joined Accor three years ago as  Director of Communications and was recently awarded Travel Communicator of the Year by the Australian Society of Travel Writers. Prior to joining Accor, Claire spent five years  as Global Communications Director at Pernod Ricard. She has amassed over two decades  of PR and communications experience, having delivered global campaigns for some of the  world’s biggest brands in the hospitality, FMCG and fashion sectors in Australia and the  UK. 

The new appointments follow Accor’s announcement last year to provide dedicated  resource and focus for its two divisions: “Premium, Midscale & Economy Division” and  “Luxury & Lifestyle Division”. The two divisions comprise of separate and distinctive  expertise with the aim of further strengthening the excellence of each division, improving  their operational and financial performance, offering owners and guests ever more relevant  products and services, and attracting the best talents. 

Sarah Derry, CEO Accor Pacific, said, “We have appointed exceptional talents who embody  our values and will drive our performance forward, building trust with our stakeholders.” 

“Anne, Steven, Angela and Claire have an outstanding track record of leadership in their  areas of expertise. Focusing on growth and guest service excellence, they will support our  teams, owners and communities. I’m proud to have them on board to further advance the  performance of Accor’s hotel, apartment and resort portfolio.”  “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Renae, Philip and Shelley for their  outstanding contribution to Accor Pacific, and wish them every success for their career  journey with Accor.”  

From luxury to economy, Accor has 19 international brands across Australia, New Zealand,  Fiji and French Polynesia, including Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Swissôtel,  Mövenpick, Handwritten Collection, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Novotel,  Mercure, BreakFree, ibis, ibis Styles, ibis budget and Ennismore’s SO/ and TRIBE.