Accor regional boss killed in Boxing Day Tsunami

One of Accor's most senior executives in Asia was killed in the Boxing Day Tsumani, the hotel chain has said.

Reggie Shiu had been senior vice-president for the Asia region since 2000. Before that had been chief executive for Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, Vietnam and Laos as well as director of operations in Asia.

Although his body has not been identified, Shiu, his wife and two of his three children are presumed to have been killed when the wave hit Khao Lak beach in southern Thailand.

Accor Asia Pacific chairman David Baffsky described Shiu as a "hotel pioneer" and a man "of great natural charm and positive energy."

He said: "The fact that Accor was among the most successful and fastest growing international hotel groups in China speaks volumes for the drive and flair that Reggie brought to the role.

"From just a handful of hotels when he was appointed, he built the network to 25 hotels by the end of 2004, with another 13 hotels scheduled for opening in the next two years," he added.

The group has set up a trust fund for his surviving daughter, Zoe. More details are available from spokesman Tom Racette at Tom.Racette@accor.com.

by Nic Paton

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