Accor chairman and CEO announces plans to step down

Accor chairman and chief executive Sébastien Bazin has confirmed that the hotel company’s board of directors is “laying the groundwork” on succession planning as he expects to step down by 2028.

In a meeting with shareholders held yesterday (27 May), Bazin announced that this was his last term and that the board will have “final say” on who is appointed successor.

Bazin, who became Accor’s chairman and CEO in August 2013, said: “This is probably the biggest responsibility the board will have: finding the next leader of the company.

“Let’s turn this hurdle into an opportunity. This is the time for the group to ask itself the right questions and do it in the right order in full transparency.”

Bazin said there were “many talents” both within and outside of Accor who could fit the profile of the French hotel giant’s next CEO.

According to previous reports, in February 2025, the board had asked Bazin to remain in the role until he reached the company’s mandatory retirement age of 67 in late 2027.

Prior to Accor, Bazin headed up the European branch of private real estate investment firm Colony Capital, where he led on several acquisitions in the hospitality sector, working with brands such as Fairmont & Raffles and Château Lascombes.

During his tenure at Accor, the hotel group grew from around a dozen brands to 45.

Following his announcement at the AGM, Bazin added: “I will still be around tomorrow. As we discuss succession planning, we should also continue to manage our day-to-day. The earth doesn’t stop spinning. We will keep putting our heads together and do it openly.”

Meanwhile, Bazin described Ennismore as its “crown jewel”, having stated it is the segment “with the highest growth in the group”.

The collection consists of 17 brands managed “quite independently” from two head offices in Dubai and London. Bazin announced plans to accelerate its market share, particularly in the US, building on its “refined and complex” business model that takes 50% of revenue from its F&B offering.

“Eight per cent of people from international, regional and local come just to dine, so it’s a complex combination. The design, the way the space has been orchestrated formed a very significant part of our thinking… We need to find the best possible answers to help develop Ennismore,” he added.

Bazin was also optimistic about AI, though he acknowledged “there may be downsides when it comes to employees and jobs”.

Accor encompasses 45 hotel brands and operates more than 5,800 hotels and resorts and 10,000 bars and restaurants across more than 110 countries.

The Caterer has contacted Accor for further comment.