Accor announced new appointments to its executive team which will extend Accor's expertise and leadership 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."